United Nations Security Council Backs Donald Trump's Gaza Strip Peace Plan

A UN Security Council has supported a plan presented by the US president for securing a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, featuring the introduction of an multinational security unit and a potential route to a Palestinian statehood.

Widespread Support with Key Absent Votes

The proposal was approved by a tally of thirteen supporting, with both China and Russia declining to cast votes. America's representative the US ambassador informed the international body that it charted “a different path in the area for Israelis and Palestinians and all the people of the territory alike”.

Compromise Phrasing on Independence

Incorporation of allusions to an independent Palestine was the concession the America offered for backing from the Muslim nations, who are expected to contribute peacekeepers for the multinational unit.

“Provisional steps that we begin today must be carried out in accordance with international law and upholding Palestinian rights,” Britain's representative declared.

Israeli Opposition Remains

Nevertheless, on the verge of the UN vote, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his cabinet's firm resistance to the formation of a sovereign Palestine, creating uncertainty on whether Israel will accept the enactment of the Council-backed plan.

Main Elements of the Resolution

• Prompt removal of ongoing restrictions on relief supplies into the strip
• Formation of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Moves towards reconstruction and a possible “route to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty”

Vague Language and Conditions

The inclusion to Palestinian statehood was a compromise addition to an original American proposal which did not mention it. Yet the phrasing is unclear and dependent, declaring only that once the Palestinian leadership has implemented reforms and the restoration of the territory is under way, “the situation may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”

Worldwide Response

The language was insufficient of the definite pledge to the establishment of a Palestinian state beside Israel sought by Arab and Islamic states, as well as EU representatives, but in statements to the assembly after the vote, representatives from those states said they were prepared to accept the compromise in the interests of prolonging the present ceasefire and immediate measures to assist and secure the 2.2 million Palestinian residents in Gaza.

“Algeria has ultimately decided to support of this text, a resolution that we approve its core objective, namely the continuation of the cessation of hostilities and the creation of situations allowing the Palestinian people to assert their immeasurable rights to sovereignty and statehood,” Amar Bendjama stated.

Practical Difficulties

The proposal provides general supervisory power to a “stabilisation committee” led by the US president, but of uncertain membership. The board has to update the United Nations but it is not obligated by the wishes of the global organization or by the Palestinian Authority.

Furthermore, it demands the establishment of a Palestinian technocratic committee that is expected to manage daily administration of the Gaza and the delivery of services, but it is far from clear who would be involved.

Security Force Mission

The authority of the international stabilisation force authorizes it to remove and dissolve armed groups in the strip, but it is quite ambiguous that potential participating nations would consent to face such factions. No country has to date committed itself to contributing forces.

Furthermore the criteria for changes to the PA, the requirement towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been hazy.

EU representatives said they deemed it necessary that the names of the Palestinian technocratic committee to distribute aid was agreed as without delay.