United Nations Security Council Backs the US Gaza Peace Plan
A global body has approved proposals advanced by the US president for achieving a lasting peace in Gaza, including the deployment of an multinational security unit and a possible route to a sovereign Palestinian state.
Unanimous Approval with Notable Absent Votes
The proposal was passed by a vote of 13-0, with China and Russia choosing not to vote. America's representative the US ambassador told the international body that it mapped “a fresh direction in the region for both sides and all the residents of the area alike”.
Balanced Language on Palestinian Statehood
The inclusion of mentions to an sovereign Palestinian state was the price the America agreed to for backing from the Arab states, who are likely to contribute security forces for the global force.
“The transitional arrangements that we start today must be executed in accordance with international law and respecting Palestinian sovereignty,” the UK chargé d’affaires affirmed.
Netanyahu's Opposition Remains
Nonetheless, on the verge of the resolution approval, leader Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s adamant opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state, raising questions on whether Israel will allow the implementation of the internationally endorsed measures.
Main Elements of the Proposal
- Prompt removal of remaining curbs on relief supplies into Gaza
- Establishment of an international stabilisation force
- Steps toward restoration and a possible “pathway to Palestinian self-determination and nationhood”
Unclear Wording and Requirements
The mention to Palestinian statehood was a balanced insertion to an original American proposal which omitted it. However the wording is ambiguous and dependent, declaring only that once the Palestinian leadership has reformed itself and the rebuilding of the territory is under way, “the situation may finally be in readiness for a realistic route to Palestinian independence and sovereignty.”
Global Reaction
The language did not meet of the firm commitment to the building of a Palestinian state beside Israel sought by Muslim nations, as well as European council members, but in addresses to the council after the vote, envoys from those states said they were prepared to accept the compromise in the benefit of extending the ongoing cessation of hostilities and swift steps to assist and secure the over two million Palestinian residents in the strip.
“Our delegation has eventually decided to vote in favour of this text, a resolution that we support its core objective, namely the preservation of the cessation of hostilities and the formation of situations permitting the Palestinian people to exercise their basic entitlements to self-determination and sovereignty,” Amar Bendjama stated.
Practical Difficulties
The proposal provides comprehensive monitoring control to a “stabilisation committee” headed by Trump, but of uncertain membership. The board has to report to the international body but it is not bound by the desires of the UN or by the Palestinian Authority.
Additionally, it requires the formation of a Palestinian technocratic committee that is expected to manage routine management of the Gaza Strip and the provision of utilities, but it is highly uncertain who would participate.
Peacekeeping Unit Mission
The mandate of the international stabilisation force authorizes it to neutralize and disband militant organizations in Gaza, but it is quite ambiguous that would-be troop contributors would agree to attempt to face such groups. Not a single nation has yet pledged to contributing forces.
Additionally the criteria for modification of Palestinian leadership, the prerequisite towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been hazy.
European diplomats said they considered it urgent that the identities of the Palestinian technocratic committee to deliver services was settled as quickly as possible.
