United Nations Security Council Backs the US Gaza Strip Peace Plan

The Security Council has approved a plan put forward 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 route to a Palestinian statehood.

Broad Support with Key Absent Votes

The resolution was adopted by a vote of 13-0, with China and Russia declining to cast votes. America's representative Mike Waltz addressed the council chamber that it charted “a new course in the area for both sides and all the inhabitants of the region alike”.

Negotiated Wording on Palestinian Statehood

The inclusion of allusions to an sovereign Palestinian state was the price the United States offered for support from the Arab states, who are likely to contribute security forces for the global force.

“Interim measures that we embark on today must be implemented in following legal norms and honoring Palestinian rights,” James Kariuki affirmed.

Israeli Resistance Remains

Nevertheless, on the verge of the council decision, Israeli prime minister Netanyahu restated his government’s strong objection to the creation of a sovereign Palestine, creating uncertainty on whether Tel Aviv will accept the enactment of the UN-mandated proposals.

Key Provisions of the Resolution

• Swift elimination of existing limitations on relief supplies into Gaza
• Formation of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Progress on restoration and a possible “route to Palestinian sovereignty and statehood”

Unclear Wording and Conditions

The inclusion to independence was a balanced insertion to an initial US draft which omitted it. But the language is vague and conditional, promising only that once the PA has undergone changes and the rebuilding of the strip is progressing, “the conditions may finally be in position for a realistic route to Palestinian self-determination and nationhood.”

International Reaction

The wording was insufficient of the definite pledge to the building of a Palestinian state beside Israel sought by Arab and Islamic states, as well as EU representatives, but in addresses to the assembly after the vote, delegates from those nations said they were prepared to accept the agreement in the interests of extending the current truce and immediate measures to assist and secure the millions of Palestinian people in the strip.

“We has eventually decided to vote in favour of this text, a measure that we support its main goal, namely the preservation of the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of conditions allowing the Palestinian population to assert their immeasurable rights to sovereignty and nationhood,” Amar Bendjama stated.

Practical Difficulties

The proposal grants general supervisory power to a “stabilisation committee” led by Trump, but of undefined composition. The group has to report to the international body but it is not required to follow the preferences of the United Nations or by the Palestinian leadership.

Additionally, it requires the formation of a specialized Palestinian group that is expected to manage routine management of the territory and the provision of utilities, but it is far from clear who would participate.

Security Force Mission

The mission of the global force authorizes it to disarm and dismantle armed groups in the territory, but it is quite ambiguous that potential participating nations would be willing to engage such factions. None of the states has to date agreed to sending peacekeepers.

Moreover the criteria for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the precondition towards progress on independence, have been vague.

EU representatives said they deemed it necessary that the names of the specialized group to provide utilities was agreed as without delay.