United Nations Security Council Approves Donald Trump's Gaza Peace Plan

A UN Security Council has supported a plan put forward by Donald Trump for achieving a long-term stability in the Gaza Strip, including the introduction of an global peacekeeping force and a possible route to a independent Palestine.

Broad Backing with Key Absent Votes

This measure was adopted by a count of thirteen supporting, with China and Russia abstaining. America's representative the US ambassador addressed the UN assembly that it charted “a different path in the Middle East for the conflicting parties and all the residents of the region alike”.

Balanced Phrasing on Palestinian Statehood

The inclusion of references to an sovereign Palestinian state was the trade-off the United States agreed to for endorsement from the Arab states, who are anticipated to contribute stabilisation troops for the global force.

“The transitional arrangements that we start today must be implemented in adhering to legal norms and upholding Palestinian self-determination,” Britain's representative affirmed.

Israeli Objection Remains

However, on the verge of the UN vote, PM Netanyahu reiterated his government’s strong objection to the creation of a independent Palestinian entity, raising questions on whether Israel will accept the execution of the UN-mandated proposals.

Main Elements of the Resolution

• Immediate lifting of existing limitations on assistance into the territory
• Creation of an international stabilisation force
• Steps toward rebuilding and a eventual “pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood”

Vague Wording and Requirements

The inclusion to sovereignty was a compromise addition to an initial US draft which did not mention it. Yet the wording is vague and contingent, stating only that once the PA has implemented reforms and the rebuilding of the strip is under way, “the conditions may ultimately be in readiness for a realistic route to Palestinian independence and nationhood.”

International Response

The language did not meet of the firm commitment to the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel desired by Arab and Islamic states, as well as EU representatives, but in statements to the council after the vote, representatives from those countries said they were willing to endorse the compromise in the service of extending the ongoing cessation of hostilities and prompt actions to assist and secure the over two million Palestinian residents in the strip.

“Our delegation has eventually decided to endorse of this text, a text that we support its main goal, namely the maintenance of the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of situations allowing the Palestinian people to claim their immeasurable rights to self-determination and statehood,” Amar Bendjama announced.

Practical Difficulties

The proposal grants overall oversight authority to a “stabilisation committee” led by Trump, but of uncertain membership. The group has to inform the UN but it is not required to follow the wishes of the United Nations or by the Palestinian leadership.

Additionally, it requires the formation of a expert Palestinian panel that is supposed to run daily administration of the territory and the provision of utilities, but it is far from clear who would participate.

Security Force Authority

The authority of the international stabilisation force authorizes it to neutralize and disband militant organizations in the strip, but it is far from clear that potential participating nations would consent to face such factions. None of the states has yet pledged to sending peacekeepers.

Moreover the standards for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the requirement towards progress on independence, have been hazy.

European diplomats said they viewed it as pressing that the members of the expert panel to distribute aid was settled as promptly.