United Nations Council Approves the US Gaza Proposal
A Security Council has voted to endorse proposals presented by the US president for achieving a long-term stability in Gaza, including the introduction of an global peacekeeping force and a eventual route to a sovereign Palestinian state.
Unanimous Support with Notable Absent Votes
The proposal was passed by a tally of thirteen supporting, with both China and Russia declining to cast votes. The US envoy the US ambassador told the UN assembly that it set “a different path in the area for Israelis and Palestinians and all the inhabitants of the territory alike”.
Balanced Phrasing on Independence
The inclusion of mentions to an independent Palestine was the price the United States agreed to for support from the Arab states, who are expected to supply security forces for the multinational unit.
“Provisional steps that we embark on today must be executed in following global standards and respecting Palestinian sovereignty,” Britain's representative stated.
Israeli Resistance Persists
Nevertheless, on the eve of the resolution approval, Israeli prime minister Netanyahu restated his cabinet's adamant opposition to the formation of a sovereign Palestine, casting doubt on whether the Israeli government will accept the enactment of the internationally endorsed measures.
Main Elements of the Resolution
- Immediate lifting of remaining curbs on relief supplies into Gaza
- Creation of an global security force
- Steps toward rebuilding and a potential “route to Palestinian sovereignty and statehood”
Ambiguous Language and Stipulations
The inclusion to sovereignty was a negotiated inclusion to an original American proposal which omitted it. But the language is vague and dependent, promising only that once the PA has reformed itself and the reconstruction of the territory is under way, “the circumstances may eventually be in place for a feasible course to Palestinian independence and statehood.”
Global Response
The wording was insufficient of the firm commitment to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine alongside Israel desired by Arab and Islamic states, as well as EU representatives, but in statements to the chamber after the vote, delegates from those states said they were prepared to accept the settlement in the service of continuing the present ceasefire and swift steps to feed and protect the millions of Palestinian residents in the territory.
“Algeria has eventually decided to endorse of this resolution, a resolution that we back its primary aim, namely the continuation of the ceasefire and the formation of circumstances enabling the Palestinians to exercise their basic entitlements to independence and sovereignty,” Amar Bendjama stated.
Implementation Challenges
This measure gives general supervisory power to a “stabilisation committee” headed by Donald Trump, but of unspecified participants. The group has to inform the UN but it is not bound by the desires of the UN or by the Palestinian leadership.
Additionally, it requires the creation of a expert Palestinian panel that is expected to manage day-to-day governance of the Gaza Strip and the provision of utilities, but it is highly uncertain who would be involved.
Security Force Mandate
The mission of the ISF empowers it to neutralize and disband armed groups in the strip, but it is highly uncertain that possible sending countries would agree to attempt to face such factions. Not a single nation has so far committed itself to contributing forces.
Moreover the standards for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the prerequisite towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been hazy.
European diplomats said they considered it urgent that the members of the specialized group to distribute aid was agreed as quickly as possible.