United Nations Council Approves Donald Trump's Gaza Peace Plan

The UN Security Council has approved a plan advanced by the US president for establishing a long-term stability in Gaza, encompassing the introduction of an global peacekeeping force and a eventual route to a Palestinian statehood.

Unanimous Support with Key Absent Votes

The resolution was passed by a tally of 13-0, with both China and Russia declining to cast votes. America's representative the American delegate told the council chamber that it set “a different path in the area for the conflicting parties and all the people of the region alike”.

Negotiated Language on Palestinian Statehood

The inclusion of allusions to an independent Palestine was the price the US paid for backing from the Arab and Islamic world, who are likely to provide security forces for the global force.

“The transitional arrangements that we embark on today must be executed in accordance with international law and honoring Palestinian sovereignty,” Britain's representative affirmed.

Israeli Opposition Remains

Nevertheless, on the verge of the council decision, leader the Israeli leader reaffirmed his cabinet's firm resistance to the formation of a Palestinian state, casting doubt on whether Israel will allow the execution of the Council-backed plan.

Key Provisions of the Proposal

• Swift elimination of ongoing restrictions on humanitarian aid into Gaza
• Formation of an global security force
• Steps toward rebuilding and a potential “avenue to Palestinian self-determination and statehood”

Vague Language and Conditions

The reference to independence was a compromise addition to an first US version which omitted it. Yet the wording is vague and contingent, declaring only that once the Palestinian Authority has reformed itself and the restoration of Gaza is under way, “the circumstances may ultimately be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian independence and sovereignty.”

International Reaction

The language did not meet of the strong guarantee to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine beside Israel desired by Arab and Islamic states, as well as EU representatives, but in speeches to the chamber after the approval, delegates from those countries said they were ready to support the agreement in the benefit of prolonging the current truce and immediate measures to provide for and safeguard the 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza.

“We has ultimately decided to vote in favour of this resolution, a measure that we approve its main goal, namely the preservation of the ceasefire and the establishment of circumstances allowing the Palestinian population to claim their basic entitlements to independence and sovereignty,” the Algerian envoy declared.

Practical Difficulties

This measure gives general supervisory power to a “peace board” headed by Donald Trump, but of unspecified participants. The group has to report to the United Nations but it is not required to follow the desires of the global organization or by the Palestinian leadership.

Furthermore, it demands the establishment of a specialized Palestinian group that is supposed to run routine management of the Gaza Strip and the distribution of aid, but it is highly uncertain who would be involved.

Peacekeeping Unit Mandate

The mission of the international stabilisation force empowers it to remove and dissolve armed groups in the territory, but it is highly uncertain that would-be troop contributors would agree to attempt to face such organizations. None of the states has so far agreed to sending peacekeepers.

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

EU representatives said they deemed it necessary that the identities of the Palestinian technocratic committee to deliver services was settled as promptly.