United Nations Security Council Approves the US Gaza Proposal

A UN Security Council has supported proposals presented by the US president for securing a long-term stability in Gaza, featuring the deployment of an international stabilisation force and a possible path to a Palestinian statehood.

Broad Backing with Key Absent Votes

The resolution was adopted by a vote of thirteen in favor, with China and Russia abstaining. The US envoy Mike Waltz addressed the international body that it mapped “a new course in the Middle East for both sides and all the people of the region alike”.

Compromise Wording on Independence

The inclusion of mentions to an independent Palestine was the price the United States paid for support from the Arab and Islamic world, who are expected to supply peacekeepers for the global force.

“The transitional arrangements that we begin today must be executed in following international law and honoring Palestinian rights,” the UK chargé d’affaires affirmed.

Netanyahu's Opposition Continues

Nevertheless, on the brink of the council decision, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his administration's firm resistance to the creation of a sovereign Palestine, casting doubt on whether Israel will accept the execution of the Council-backed plan.

Central Components of the Resolution

• Prompt removal of existing limitations on assistance into the strip
• Creation of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Steps toward restoration and a eventual “avenue to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty”

Ambiguous Language and Stipulations

The mention to independence was a compromise addition to an initial US draft which did not mention it. However the language is ambiguous and contingent, stating only that once the PA has undergone changes and the reconstruction of the territory is under way, “the situation may ultimately be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian independence and statehood.”

International Response

The phrasing was insufficient of the strong guarantee to the establishment of a independent Palestinian entity beside Israel requested by Muslim nations, as well as European council members, but in statements to the assembly after the approval, representatives from those states said they were prepared to accept the compromise in the benefit of extending the current truce and immediate measures to feed and protect the over two million Palestinians in the territory.

“Algeria has eventually decided to vote in favour of this document, a text that we support its primary aim, namely the maintenance of the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of conditions enabling the Palestinians to assert their immeasurable rights to self-determination and sovereignty,” Amar Bendjama announced.

Implementation Challenges

This measure grants general supervisory power to a “peace board” chaired by Donald Trump, but of undefined composition. The board has to report to the UN but it is not required to follow the wishes of the global organization or by the PA.

Furthermore, it demands the establishment of a specialized Palestinian group that is tasked with overseeing daily administration of the territory and the provision of utilities, but it is highly uncertain who would be involved.

Security Force Mission

The mandate of the ISF authorizes it to neutralize and disband militant organizations in the strip, but it is highly uncertain that possible sending countries would be willing to face such factions. None of the states has to date pledged to contributing forces.

Moreover the standards for modification of Palestinian leadership, the requirement towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been unclear.

European diplomats said they considered it urgent that the names of the Palestinian technocratic committee to distribute aid was agreed as promptly.