UN Security Council Approves Trump's Gaza Proposal

The Security Council has voted to endorse a plan put forward by President Trump for achieving a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, featuring the stationing of an multinational security unit and a possible route to a independent Palestine.

Broad Backing with Notable Absent Votes

The resolution was approved by a vote of 13-0, with both China and Russia declining to cast votes. Washington's diplomat the US ambassador informed the council chamber that it set “a different path in the region for both sides and all the people of the region alike”.

Compromise Wording on Sovereignty

Addition of allusions to an independent Palestine was the price the America paid for endorsement from the Muslim nations, who are expected to contribute security forces for the multinational unit.

“Interim measures that we begin today must be executed in accordance with legal norms and upholding Palestinian sovereignty,” Britain's representative stated.

Netanyahu's Opposition Persists

Nevertheless, on the brink of the council decision, leader Netanyahu restated his cabinet's adamant opposition to the formation of a independent Palestinian entity, casting doubt on whether Israel will allow the enactment of the UN-mandated proposals.

Main Elements of the Resolution

• Swift elimination of ongoing restrictions on assistance into the territory
• Creation of an global security force
• Moves towards rebuilding and a possible “pathway to Palestinian sovereignty and nationhood”

Unclear Phrasing and Stipulations

The inclusion to independence was a negotiated inclusion to an initial US draft which omitted it. But the wording is vague and conditional, stating only that once the Palestinian leadership has reformed itself and the restoration of Gaza is under way, “the conditions may ultimately be in readiness for a credible pathway to Palestinian sovereignty and nationhood.”

Worldwide Reaction

The wording was insufficient of the firm commitment to the building of a Palestinian state next to Israel desired by Arab countries, as well as EU representatives, but in addresses to the assembly after the vote, representatives from those states said they were willing to endorse the agreement in the interests of extending the ongoing cessation of hostilities and immediate measures to provide for and safeguard the millions of Palestinian residents in the territory.

“Algeria has ultimately decided to vote in favour of this resolution, a resolution that we support its primary aim, namely the maintenance of the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of circumstances allowing the Palestinian population to assert their basic entitlements to independence and statehood,” Algeria's representative stated.

Implementation Challenges

The resolution provides general supervisory power to a “board of peace” led by Donald Trump, but of uncertain membership. The group has to inform the international body but it is not obligated by the preferences of the global organization or by the Palestinian leadership.

Furthermore, it demands the formation of a specialized Palestinian group that is expected to manage daily administration of the Gaza Strip and the delivery of services, but it is quite ambiguous who would participate.

Peacekeeping Unit Mandate

The mission of the ISF gives it authority to disarm and dismantle armed groups in the territory, but it is quite ambiguous that would-be troop contributors would agree to attempt to face such groups. Not a single nation has to date agreed to dispatching troops.

Additionally the criteria for modification of Palestinian leadership, the precondition towards progress on independence, have been unclear.

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