United Nations Council Backs Donald Trump's Gaza Initiative

A global body has supported measures put forward by the US president for securing a durable ceasefire in Gaza, including the stationing of an multinational security unit and a eventual route to a Palestinian statehood.

Unanimous Approval with Key Absent Votes

This measure was approved by a tally of 13-0, with both China and Russia choosing not to vote. America's representative the US ambassador addressed the international body that it mapped “a different path in the Middle East for the conflicting parties and all the people of the area alike”.

Balanced Wording on Sovereignty

The inclusion of references to an sovereign Palestinian state was the concession the America offered for backing from the Arab states, who are likely to supply security forces for the international stabilisation force (ISF).

“Interim measures that we embark on today must be carried out in adhering to international law and upholding Palestinian self-determination,” Britain's representative affirmed.

Israeli Objection Persists

Nonetheless, on the verge of the council decision, PM Netanyahu reiterated his administration's strong objection to the formation of a sovereign Palestine, raising questions on whether the Israeli government will allow the enactment of the Council-backed plan.

Main Elements of the Resolution

• Prompt removal of ongoing restrictions on assistance into the territory
• Creation of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Moves towards rebuilding and a eventual “avenue to Palestinian self-determination and nationhood”

Vague Wording and Requirements

The reference to independence was a balanced insertion to an first US version which excluded it. But the language is ambiguous and conditional, declaring only that once the Palestinian leadership has reformed itself and the reconstruction of Gaza is under way, “the situation may eventually be in readiness for a feasible course to Palestinian sovereignty and sovereignty.”

Global Reaction

The phrasing was insufficient of the definite pledge to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine alongside Israel desired 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 ready to support the agreement in the interests of prolonging the ongoing cessation of hostilities and immediate measures to feed and protect the over two million Palestinians in Gaza.

“Our delegation has finally decided to support of this text, a measure that we approve its primary aim, namely the maintenance of the truce and the formation of circumstances enabling the Palestinians to claim their fundamental rights to self-determination and nationhood,” the Algerian envoy stated.

Implementation Challenges

This measure gives overall oversight authority to a “peace board” led by the US president, but of unspecified participants. This committee has to inform the UN but it is not obligated by the wishes of the global organization or by the Palestinian leadership.

Furthermore, it demands the formation of a expert Palestinian panel that is expected to manage daily administration of the Gaza and the delivery of services, but it is quite ambiguous who would take part.

Stabilisation Team Authority

The authority of the ISF gives it authority to remove and dissolve fighting factions in Gaza, but it is highly uncertain that would-be troop contributors would consent to face such factions. No country has yet agreed to contributing forces.

Additionally the criteria for changes to the PA, the prerequisite towards steps to Palestinian statehood, have been hazy.

European officials said they deemed it necessary that the identities of the specialized group to distribute aid was agreed as without delay.