UN Council Backs the US Gaza Strip Peace Plan

The Security Council has voted to endorse proposals put forward by President Trump for securing a durable ceasefire in Gaza, including the deployment of an international stabilisation force and a eventual path to a independent Palestine.

Broad Support with Notable Absent Votes

The resolution was passed by a vote of 13-0, with China and Russia abstaining. America's representative the US ambassador addressed the international body that it mapped “a new course in the region for the conflicting parties and all the inhabitants of the region alike”.

Balanced Language on Sovereignty

Incorporation of references to an independent Palestine was the concession the US agreed to for backing from the Arab states, who are expected to provide peacekeepers for the global force.

“The transitional arrangements that we begin today must be executed in following international law and honoring Palestinian rights,” Britain's representative declared.

Israeli Resistance Persists

Nevertheless, on the brink of the resolution approval, PM Netanyahu reiterated his government’s adamant opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state, creating uncertainty on whether Tel Aviv will accept the implementation of the UN-mandated proposals.

Main Elements of the Measure

• Immediate lifting of existing limitations on assistance into the strip
• Creation of an global security force
• Progress on restoration and a potential “avenue to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty”

Vague Wording and Requirements

The inclusion to sovereignty was a balanced insertion to an initial US draft which omitted it. Yet the language is unclear and dependent, stating only that once the PA has reformed itself and the reconstruction of Gaza is progressing, “the situation may ultimately be in readiness for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty.”

International Reaction

The language did not meet of the strong guarantee to the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel desired by Arab and Islamic states, as well as European council members, but in statements to the assembly after the vote, representatives from those countries said they were ready to support the agreement in the benefit of continuing the current truce and immediate measures to feed and protect the over two million Palestinian residents in Gaza.

“Our delegation has ultimately decided to endorse of this document, a measure that we support its main goal, namely the preservation of the ceasefire and the establishment of situations enabling the Palestinian people to claim their basic entitlements to self-determination and sovereignty,” Amar Bendjama announced.

Implementation Challenges

The resolution gives comprehensive monitoring control to a “board of peace” led by Trump, but of undefined composition. The board has to report to the international body but it is not obligated by the wishes of the UN or by the Palestinian leadership.

It also calls for the establishment of a Palestinian technocratic committee that is tasked with overseeing daily administration of the Gaza and the distribution of aid, but it is highly uncertain who would be involved.

Stabilisation Team Mission

The mission of the international stabilisation force empowers it to disarm and dismantle militant organizations in the strip, but it is quite ambiguous that would-be troop contributors would consent to face such groups. None of the states has to date pledged to contributing forces.

Furthermore the criteria for modification of Palestinian leadership, the requirement towards progress on independence, have been vague.

EU representatives said they viewed it as pressing that the members of the expert panel to deliver services was settled as quickly as possible.