United Nations Security Council Backs Donald Trump's Gaza Strip Initiative

The UN Security Council has approved proposals presented by Donald Trump for securing a long-term stability in the Gaza Strip, including the introduction of an multinational security unit and a possible path to a Palestinian statehood.

Widespread Backing with Key Absent Votes

This measure was passed by a vote of 13-0, with both China and Russia choosing not to vote. America's representative the US ambassador addressed the council chamber that it set “a new course in the region for both sides and all the inhabitants of the territory alike”.

Balanced Language on Sovereignty

Addition of references to an sovereign Palestinian state was the price the America paid for backing from the Muslim nations, who are anticipated to supply peacekeepers for the multinational unit.

“The transitional arrangements that we embark on today must be carried out in adhering to legal norms and honoring Palestinian sovereignty,” the UK chargé d’affaires declared.

Government Objection Remains

However, on the brink of the UN vote, PM Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his administration's strong objection to the formation of a Palestinian state, creating uncertainty on whether Tel Aviv will permit the execution of the Council-backed plan.

Central Components of the Resolution

• Swift elimination of remaining curbs on assistance into Gaza
• Establishment of an international stabilisation force
• Progress on restoration and a eventual “pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood”

Ambiguous Wording and Requirements

The mention to independence was a negotiated inclusion to an first US version which did not mention it. Yet the language is vague and dependent, promising only that once the Palestinian leadership has implemented reforms and the restoration of the territory is progressing, “the conditions may ultimately be in readiness for a credible pathway to Palestinian sovereignty and statehood.”

Global Response

The phrasing did not meet of the firm commitment to the creation of a independent Palestinian entity alongside Israel sought by Arab and Islamic states, as well as European delegates, but in statements to the chamber after the approval, representatives from those countries said they were prepared to accept the settlement in the service of continuing the present ceasefire and prompt actions to feed and protect the 2.2 million Palestinian people in Gaza.

“Algeria has eventually decided to endorse of this resolution, a text that we approve its core objective, namely the maintenance of the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of conditions enabling the Palestinian population to claim their immeasurable rights to independence and sovereignty,” the Algerian envoy announced.

Implementation Challenges

This measure gives overall oversight authority to a “board of peace” headed by the US president, but of undefined composition. This committee has to inform the UN but it is not bound by the wishes of the United Nations or by the Palestinian leadership.

It also calls for the creation of a Palestinian technocratic committee that is supposed to run routine management of the Gaza and the delivery of services, but it is quite ambiguous who would participate.

Stabilisation Team Authority

The authority of the ISF authorizes it to disarm and dismantle armed groups in the territory, but it is far from clear that possible sending countries would be willing to confront such groups. Not a single nation has to date agreed to dispatching troops.

Additionally the standards for changes to the PA, the requirement towards progress on independence, have been unclear.

European officials said they deemed it necessary that the members of the Palestinian technocratic committee to distribute aid was agreed as without delay.