United Nations Council Approves Donald Trump's Gaza Peace Plan

A Security Council has approved proposals put forward by President Trump for achieving a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, including the deployment of an international stabilisation force and a possible route to a independent Palestine.

Unanimous Approval with Key Absent Votes

This measure was adopted by a vote of 13-0, with Russia and China abstaining. Washington's diplomat the American delegate addressed the international body that it set “a different path in the area for both sides and all the inhabitants of the territory alike”.

Balanced Language on Sovereignty

Incorporation of allusions to an independent Palestine was the trade-off the US agreed to for support from the Arab states, who are anticipated to contribute security forces for the global force.

“Interim measures that we start today must be implemented in following global standards and honoring Palestinian rights,” Britain's representative affirmed.

Government Opposition Persists

However, on the verge of the UN vote, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his administration's firm resistance to the establishment of a Palestinian state, casting doubt on whether Israel will allow the execution of the Council-backed plan.

Main Elements of the Measure

• Prompt removal of existing limitations on assistance into Gaza
• Formation of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Steps toward reconstruction and a possible “avenue to Palestinian sovereignty and nationhood”

Vague Wording and Conditions

The mention to sovereignty was a balanced insertion to an initial US draft which omitted it. But the wording is unclear and contingent, promising only that once the Palestinian Authority has undergone changes and the rebuilding of the territory is advancing, “the conditions may finally be in position for a feasible course to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty.”

International Feedback

The wording fell far short of the firm commitment to the building of a independent Palestinian entity alongside Israel sought by Muslim nations, as well as EU representatives, but in speeches to the chamber after the vote, delegates from those nations said they were prepared to accept the compromise in the benefit of continuing the ongoing cessation of hostilities and swift steps to provide for and safeguard the over two million Palestinians in the strip.

“Algeria has ultimately decided to endorse of this document, a measure that we back its core objective, namely the continuation of the truce and the formation of situations permitting the Palestinian population to claim their immeasurable rights to sovereignty and statehood,” Amar Bendjama stated.

Practical Difficulties

The proposal grants overall oversight authority to a “board of peace” chaired by Trump, but of unspecified participants. The board has to inform the UN but it is not bound by the preferences of the United Nations or by the Palestinian Authority.

Additionally, it requires the formation 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 take part.

Stabilisation Team Mission

The authority of the ISF empowers it to neutralize and disband armed groups in the strip, but it is highly uncertain that potential participating nations would be willing to face such organizations. No country has so far committed itself to dispatching troops.

Furthermore the standards for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the requirement towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been hazy.

European officials said they considered it urgent that the identities of the Palestinian technocratic committee to deliver services was determined as without delay.