UN Security Council Approves Donald Trump's Gaza Strip Peace Plan

The global body has supported proposals presented by the US president for establishing a long-term stability in Gaza, including the stationing of an multinational security unit and a potential route to a Palestinian statehood.

Unanimous Approval with Notable Abstentions

This measure was approved by a vote of 13-0, with both China and Russia choosing not to vote. America's representative the US ambassador informed the international body that it mapped “a different path in the region for Israelis and Palestinians and all the people of the territory alike”.

Negotiated Phrasing on Sovereignty

The inclusion of allusions to an independent Palestine was the trade-off the United States offered for support from the Arab and Islamic world, who are expected to contribute stabilisation troops for the multinational unit.

“The transitional arrangements that we embark on today must be implemented in following international law and honoring Palestinian rights,” the UK chargé d’affaires stated.

Israeli Opposition Remains

However, on the brink of the council decision, leader Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his administration's firm resistance to the establishment of a independent Palestinian entity, raising questions on whether Tel Aviv will allow the enactment of the Council-backed plan.

Central Components of the Resolution

• Prompt removal of ongoing restrictions on relief supplies into Gaza
• Establishment of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Moves towards restoration and a possible “route to Palestinian sovereignty and nationhood”

Ambiguous Phrasing and Conditions

The reference to Palestinian statehood was a balanced insertion to an first US version which omitted it. However the wording is vague and dependent, stating only that once the Palestinian Authority has undergone changes and the rebuilding of the strip is progressing, “the situation may eventually be in place for a feasible course to Palestinian independence and statehood.”

Global Feedback

The wording did not meet of the definite pledge to the creation of a Palestinian state beside Israel desired by Arab and Islamic states, as well as European council members, but in addresses to the chamber after the vote, delegates from those states said they were willing to endorse the settlement in the interests of continuing the ongoing cessation of hostilities and prompt actions to assist and secure the millions of Palestinians in Gaza.

“Algeria has eventually decided to vote in favour of this text, a resolution that we support its main goal, namely the continuation of the truce and the formation of conditions enabling the Palestinians to assert their immeasurable rights to self-determination and sovereignty,” the Algerian envoy stated.

Practical Difficulties

This measure grants comprehensive monitoring control to a “board of peace” chaired by Trump, but of unspecified participants. This committee has to update the international body but it is not required to follow the preferences of the United Nations or by the Palestinian Authority.

It also calls for the formation of a specialized Palestinian group that is supposed to run routine management of the Gaza Strip and the provision of utilities, but it is highly uncertain who would participate.

Stabilisation Team Mandate

The mission of the international stabilisation force authorizes it to remove and dissolve militant organizations in the territory, but it is far from clear that possible sending countries would be willing to engage such organizations. No country has to date pledged to sending peacekeepers.

Furthermore 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 names of the Palestinian technocratic committee to provide utilities was settled as promptly.