United Nations Council Endorses Trump's Gaza Strip Proposal

A UN Security Council has approved measures put forward by Donald Trump for securing a durable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, including the deployment of an multinational security unit and a possible path to a sovereign Palestinian state.

Widespread Support with Key Abstentions

This measure was approved by a count of 13-0, with Russia and China abstaining. America's representative the American delegate told the UN assembly that it charted “a new course in the Middle East for Israelis and Palestinians and all the inhabitants of the region alike”.

Negotiated Phrasing on Sovereignty

Addition of mentions to an self-governing Palestine was the trade-off the America agreed to for endorsement from the Arab and Islamic world, who are expected to contribute stabilisation troops for the multinational unit.

“Provisional steps that we embark on today must be carried out in adhering to legal norms and upholding Palestinian sovereignty,” James Kariuki declared.

Israeli Resistance Persists

Nonetheless, on the brink of the UN vote, PM Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s adamant opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state, raising questions on whether Israel will allow the enactment of the internationally endorsed measures.

Main Elements of the Measure

• Immediate lifting of existing limitations on humanitarian aid into the strip
• Creation of an international stabilisation force
• Progress on reconstruction and a possible “route to Palestinian sovereignty and statehood”

Vague Wording and Stipulations

The mention to independence was a balanced insertion to an original American proposal which omitted it. However the phrasing is vague and contingent, stating only that once the PA has implemented reforms and the rebuilding of the territory is progressing, “the circumstances may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty.”

Global Response

The wording did not meet of the strong guarantee to the building of a independent Palestinian entity alongside Israel requested by Arab countries, as well as European council members, but in addresses to the assembly after the approval, envoys from those nations said they were willing to endorse the settlement in the benefit of prolonging the ongoing cessation of hostilities and immediate measures to feed and protect the millions of Palestinian residents in Gaza.

“Algeria has finally decided to endorse of this resolution, a text that we support its primary aim, namely the maintenance of the ceasefire and the formation of situations enabling the Palestinian population to exercise their basic entitlements to self-determination and statehood,” the Algerian envoy stated.

Practical Difficulties

The resolution gives general supervisory power to a “stabilisation committee” chaired by the US president, but of unspecified participants. The group has to inform the international body but it is not bound by the wishes of the UN or by the Palestinian Authority.

Furthermore, it demands the creation of a expert Palestinian panel that is expected to manage day-to-day governance of the territory and the delivery of services, but it is quite ambiguous who would take part.

Peacekeeping Unit Mission

The authority of the ISF gives it authority to remove and dissolve fighting factions in the strip, but it is quite ambiguous that would-be troop contributors would consent to face such organizations. No country has so far 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 considered it urgent that the identities of the Palestinian technocratic committee to provide utilities was determined as quickly as possible.