United Nations Security Council Endorses the US Gaza Peace Plan

The global body has supported measures put forward by the US president for securing a lasting peace in Gaza, including the stationing of an multinational security unit and a potential avenue to a independent Palestine.

Unanimous Backing with Key Abstentions

The resolution was adopted by a tally of 13-0, with China and Russia abstaining. Washington's diplomat the American delegate told the UN assembly that it charted “a new course in the Middle East for both sides and all the inhabitants of the territory alike”.

Negotiated Wording on Sovereignty

Incorporation of references to an sovereign Palestinian state was the concession the US offered for support from the Arab states, who are likely to supply security forces for the multinational unit.

“Interim measures that we start today must be carried out in adhering to international law and upholding Palestinian sovereignty,” James Kariuki declared.

Israeli Objection Remains

Nonetheless, on the verge of the council decision, PM Netanyahu restated his cabinet's firm resistance to the establishment of a Palestinian state, casting doubt on whether the Israeli government will permit the execution of the Council-backed plan.

Central Components of the Measure

• Swift elimination of ongoing restrictions on humanitarian aid into the strip
• Creation of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Steps toward restoration and a eventual “route to Palestinian independence and nationhood”

Unclear Phrasing and Conditions

The mention to independence was a negotiated inclusion to an original American proposal which excluded it. But the language is vague and conditional, stating only that once the Palestinian Authority has implemented reforms and the reconstruction of Gaza is progressing, “the conditions may ultimately be in position for a feasible course to Palestinian independence and nationhood.”

Global Response

The phrasing did not meet of the definite pledge to the creation of a sovereign Palestine beside Israel desired by Arab and Islamic states, as well as European council members, but in speeches to the council after the decision, delegates from those states said they were willing to endorse the compromise in the interests of prolonging the present ceasefire and immediate measures to feed and protect the millions of Palestinian people in the territory.

“We has ultimately decided to endorse of this document, a resolution that we support its primary aim, namely the continuation of the cessation of hostilities and the creation of situations enabling the Palestinians to assert their basic entitlements to self-determination and sovereignty,” Amar Bendjama stated.

Practical Difficulties

The resolution grants general supervisory power to a “peace board” led by Donald Trump, but of unspecified participants. This committee has to inform the United Nations but it is not bound by the desires of the global organization or by the PA.

Additionally, it requires the creation of a specialized Palestinian group that is expected to manage day-to-day governance of the territory and the delivery of services, but it is far from clear who would take part.

Security Force Mandate

The authority of the international stabilisation force authorizes it to disarm and dismantle fighting factions in Gaza, but it is quite ambiguous that would-be troop contributors would agree to attempt to confront such factions. Not a single nation has yet committed itself to dispatching troops.

Furthermore the requirements for changes to the PA, the precondition towards progress on independence, have been vague.

European diplomats said they viewed it as pressing that the names of the specialized group to deliver services was agreed as promptly.