UN Security Council Backs Donald Trump's Gaza Strip Proposal

A global body has supported measures presented by the US president for securing a long-term stability in the Gaza Strip, including the introduction of an global peacekeeping force and a potential avenue to a independent Palestine.

Unanimous Support with Key Absent Votes

This measure was approved by a vote of thirteen supporting, with Russia and China choosing not to vote. The US envoy Mike Waltz informed the international body that it mapped “a new course in the area for both sides and all the inhabitants of the territory alike”.

Compromise Phrasing on Palestinian Statehood

The inclusion of allusions to an sovereign Palestinian state was the trade-off the United States paid for backing from the Arab and Islamic world, who are anticipated to provide stabilisation troops for the multinational unit.

“Interim measures that we embark on today must be implemented in adhering to global standards and upholding Palestinian sovereignty,” James Kariuki affirmed.

Government Resistance Continues

Nevertheless, on the eve of the council decision, PM Netanyahu restated his cabinet's adamant opposition to the formation of a independent Palestinian entity, casting doubt on whether Israel will permit the implementation of the Council-backed plan.

Main Elements of the Resolution

• Swift elimination of existing limitations on relief supplies into the territory
• Creation of an global security force
• Moves towards restoration and a eventual “route to Palestinian independence and statehood”

Unclear Language and Stipulations

The mention to sovereignty was a negotiated inclusion to an initial US draft which excluded it. However the wording is vague and dependent, promising only that once the PA has implemented reforms and the reconstruction of the strip is under way, “the conditions may ultimately be in position for a feasible course to Palestinian independence and statehood.”

Global Reaction

The phrasing fell far short of the strong guarantee to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine alongside Israel requested by Muslim nations, as well as European delegates, but in speeches to the assembly after the vote, delegates from those countries said they were ready to support the agreement in the interests of prolonging the current truce and immediate measures to provide for and safeguard the 2.2 million Palestinian people in the strip.

“Our delegation has eventually decided to vote in favour of this text, a measure that we support its core objective, namely the preservation of the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of circumstances allowing the Palestinian population to exercise their basic entitlements to independence and statehood,” Amar Bendjama announced.

Implementation Challenges

The proposal provides overall oversight authority to a “board of peace” chaired by Trump, but of undefined composition. The board has to report to the international body but it is not bound by the wishes of the UN or by the Palestinian Authority.

It also calls for the formation of a Palestinian technocratic committee that is expected to manage day-to-day governance of the Gaza Strip and the delivery of services, but it is quite ambiguous who would participate.

Stabilisation Team Mission

The authority of the global force authorizes it to remove and dissolve armed groups in the strip, but it is quite ambiguous that potential participating nations would agree to attempt to engage such groups. None of the states has to date pledged to sending peacekeepers.

Additionally the standards for modification of Palestinian leadership, the requirement towards steps to Palestinian statehood, have been vague.

European officials said they considered it urgent that the members of the Palestinian technocratic committee to provide utilities was agreed as quickly as possible.