United Nations Council Backs Donald Trump's Gaza Proposal

A Security Council has supported proposals presented by Donald Trump for securing a lasting peace in Gaza, including the introduction of an global peacekeeping force and a possible route to a independent Palestine.

Unanimous Backing with Notable Abstentions

The proposal was adopted by a tally of thirteen in favor, with both China and Russia abstaining. The US envoy the US ambassador addressed the council chamber that it mapped “a fresh direction in the area for both sides and all the people of the territory alike”.

Balanced Wording on Sovereignty

Incorporation of references to an independent Palestine was the concession the United States paid for endorsement from the Arab states, who are expected to provide stabilisation troops for the international stabilisation force (ISF).

“Interim measures that we begin today must be executed in following international law and upholding Palestinian rights,” Britain's representative stated.

Government Opposition Remains

Nonetheless, on the eve of the resolution approval, leader Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his administration's adamant opposition to the formation of a independent Palestinian entity, casting doubt on whether Tel Aviv will permit the implementation of the UN-mandated proposals.

Key Provisions of the Resolution

• Immediate lifting of ongoing restrictions on relief supplies into the territory
• Formation of an international stabilisation force
• Progress on restoration and a eventual “route to Palestinian self-determination and nationhood”

Ambiguous Phrasing and Conditions

The reference to sovereignty was a balanced insertion to an initial US draft which did not mention it. Yet the phrasing is unclear and dependent, promising only that once the Palestinian Authority has implemented reforms and the reconstruction of the territory is advancing, “the circumstances may eventually be in position for a feasible course to Palestinian sovereignty and sovereignty.”

International Response

The phrasing did not meet of the strong guarantee to the building of a independent Palestinian entity next to Israel desired by Muslim nations, as well as European delegates, but in addresses to the assembly after the approval, delegates from those states said they were ready to support the compromise in the interests of prolonging the current truce and prompt actions to provide for and safeguard the 2.2 million Palestinian people in Gaza.

“Algeria has finally decided to endorse of this resolution, a measure that we approve its primary aim, namely the preservation of the cessation of hostilities and the formation of situations permitting the Palestinians to assert their basic entitlements to sovereignty and statehood,” the Algerian envoy declared.

Practical Difficulties

This measure gives general supervisory power to a “board of peace” chaired by Trump, but of unspecified participants. The board has to update the United Nations but it is not obligated by the preferences of the United Nations or by the Palestinian Authority.

Additionally, it requires the creation of a expert Palestinian panel that is tasked with overseeing daily administration of the Gaza and the provision of utilities, but it is far from clear who would be involved.

Stabilisation Team Mandate

The mandate 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 agree to attempt to face such factions. No country has yet agreed to contributing forces.

Moreover the requirements for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the precondition towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been unclear.

EU representatives said they considered it urgent that the members of the specialized group to provide utilities was determined as promptly.