UN Council Endorses Donald Trump's Gaza Proposal

The Security Council has supported proposals advanced by Donald Trump for securing a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, featuring the introduction of an global peacekeeping force and a possible route to a independent Palestine.

Broad Approval with Notable Absent Votes

The resolution was approved by a count of 13-0, with Russia and China declining to cast votes. Washington's diplomat the US ambassador informed the council chamber that it set “a fresh direction in the Middle East for both sides and all the inhabitants of the area alike”.

Negotiated Phrasing on Palestinian Statehood

The inclusion of references to an sovereign Palestinian state was the concession the US agreed to for support from the Arab states, who are likely to provide security forces for the multinational unit.

“The transitional arrangements that we embark on today must be carried out in following legal norms and upholding Palestinian rights,” Britain's representative declared.

Government Objection Persists

Nonetheless, on the verge of the council decision, PM Benjamin Netanyahu restated his administration's strong objection to the creation of a independent Palestinian entity, creating uncertainty on whether Tel Aviv will allow the execution of the internationally endorsed measures.

Key Provisions of the Proposal

• Prompt removal of existing limitations on assistance into Gaza
• Establishment of an international stabilisation force
• Moves towards reconstruction and a possible “route to Palestinian independence and statehood”

Ambiguous Language and Conditions

The inclusion to Palestinian statehood was a negotiated inclusion to an original American proposal which did not mention it. But the wording is unclear and conditional, declaring only that once the Palestinian Authority has undergone changes and the rebuilding of the territory is under way, “the circumstances may eventually be in readiness for a realistic route to Palestinian self-determination and nationhood.”

Worldwide Reaction

The wording did not meet of the strong guarantee to the building of a Palestinian state next to Israel desired by Muslim nations, as well as European council members, but in statements to the council after the approval, representatives from those states said they were ready to support the settlement in the service of prolonging the current truce and swift steps to provide for and safeguard the millions of Palestinian people in the strip.

“We has finally decided to support of this text, a measure that we support its core objective, namely the maintenance of the truce and the establishment of circumstances allowing the Palestinians to assert their basic entitlements to self-determination and nationhood,” the Algerian envoy declared.

Practical Difficulties

The resolution provides comprehensive monitoring control to a “peace board” led by the US president, but of undefined composition. The group has to inform the UN but it is not bound by the preferences of the global organization or by the Palestinian leadership.

It also calls for the creation of a expert Palestinian panel that is tasked with overseeing daily administration of the Gaza Strip and the delivery of services, but it is highly uncertain who would be involved.

Stabilisation Team Mission

The mission of the global force authorizes it to remove and dissolve fighting factions in the territory, but it is highly uncertain that potential participating nations would consent to confront such factions. Not a single nation has so far pledged to sending peacekeepers.

Moreover the requirements for modification of Palestinian leadership, the precondition towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been hazy.

EU representatives said they deemed it necessary that the identities of the expert panel to distribute aid was determined as promptly.