United Nations Council Backs Donald Trump's Gaza Strip Initiative

The Security Council has voted to endorse measures put forward by Donald Trump for establishing a long-term stability in the Gaza Strip, encompassing the stationing of an international stabilisation force and a possible path to a sovereign Palestinian state.

Broad Approval with Notable Abstentions

The proposal was passed by a tally of 13-0, with Russia and China abstaining. The US envoy the American delegate told the international body that it set “a new course in the region for Israelis and Palestinians and all the people of the territory alike”.

Balanced Language on Palestinian Statehood

The inclusion of mentions to an self-governing Palestine was the price the United States paid for backing from the Arab and Islamic world, who are likely to supply security forces for the multinational unit.

“Provisional steps that we start today must be implemented in following international law and respecting Palestinian sovereignty,” Britain's representative affirmed.

Government Opposition Remains

However, on the brink of the resolution approval, Israeli prime minister Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s adamant opposition to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine, raising questions on whether Tel Aviv will allow the enactment of the Council-backed plan.

Central Components of the Proposal

• Swift elimination of existing limitations on humanitarian aid into Gaza
• Formation of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Moves towards rebuilding and a eventual “avenue to Palestinian self-determination and statehood”

Vague Wording and Conditions

The reference to Palestinian statehood was a negotiated inclusion to an original American proposal which did not mention it. But the phrasing is ambiguous and contingent, promising only that once the PA has undergone changes and the reconstruction of the strip is progressing, “the circumstances may eventually be in position for a realistic route to Palestinian independence and sovereignty.”

International Response

The language fell far short of the definite pledge to the establishment of a independent Palestinian entity alongside Israel requested by Arab countries, as well as European council members, but in statements to the chamber after the vote, representatives from those states said they were prepared to accept the settlement in the interests of prolonging the ongoing cessation of hostilities and swift steps to provide for and safeguard the 2.2 million Palestinian people in the territory.

“Our delegation has ultimately decided to support of this document, a text that we approve its main goal, namely the maintenance of the truce and the formation of circumstances permitting the Palestinians to exercise their fundamental rights to sovereignty and statehood,” Amar Bendjama declared.

Execution Hurdles

This measure provides general supervisory power to a “peace board” chaired by the US president, but of uncertain membership. The board has to report to the United Nations but it is not required to follow the preferences of the United Nations or by the Palestinian leadership.

Additionally, it requires the establishment of a Palestinian technocratic committee that is supposed to run routine management of the territory and the provision of utilities, but it is far from clear who would participate.

Peacekeeping Unit Authority

The mandate of the ISF gives it authority to disarm and dismantle armed groups in the strip, but it is highly uncertain that would-be troop contributors would be willing to engage such organizations. None of the states has to date agreed to sending peacekeepers.

Furthermore the criteria for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the requirement towards progress on independence, have been unclear.

EU representatives said they viewed it as pressing that the names of the Palestinian technocratic committee to distribute aid was settled as quickly as possible.