United Nations Council Approves Donald Trump's Gaza Proposal

A UN Security Council has voted to endorse measures put forward by the US president for establishing a durable ceasefire in Gaza, featuring the deployment of an multinational security unit and a potential avenue to a independent Palestine.

Unanimous Backing with Notable Absent Votes

This measure was passed by a vote of thirteen supporting, with both China and Russia declining to cast votes. Washington's diplomat Mike Waltz addressed the UN assembly that it charted “a fresh direction in the area for the conflicting parties and all the people of the region alike”.

Compromise Wording on Sovereignty

The inclusion of references to an independent Palestine was the price the United States offered for support from the Arab states, who are likely to contribute peacekeepers for the global force.

“Interim measures that we start today must be implemented in accordance with legal norms and honoring Palestinian sovereignty,” James Kariuki stated.

Netanyahu's Opposition Persists

Nevertheless, on the verge of the council decision, leader the Israeli leader reiterated his government’s adamant opposition to the creation of a sovereign Palestine, creating uncertainty on whether Tel Aviv will permit the enactment of the internationally endorsed measures.

Central Components of the Measure

• Swift elimination of remaining curbs on humanitarian aid into the territory
• Establishment of an global security force
• Progress on restoration and a potential “route to Palestinian self-determination and nationhood”

Unclear Wording and Requirements

The reference to independence was a balanced insertion to an initial US draft which excluded it. Yet the wording is ambiguous and contingent, promising only that once the Palestinian Authority has implemented reforms and the reconstruction of the territory is progressing, “the circumstances may ultimately be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian independence and statehood.”

International Response

The phrasing was insufficient of the firm commitment to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine alongside Israel sought by Arab and Islamic states, as well as European council members, but in statements to the council after the vote, delegates from those countries said they were prepared to accept the agreement in the interests of prolonging the ongoing cessation of hostilities and immediate measures to provide for and safeguard the millions of Palestinian people in Gaza.

“Algeria has finally decided to endorse of this resolution, a text that we approve its primary aim, namely the continuation of the ceasefire and the formation of situations allowing the Palestinian people to exercise their basic entitlements to self-determination and sovereignty,” the Algerian envoy announced.

Execution Hurdles

The resolution provides general supervisory power to a “stabilisation committee” headed by the US president, but of undefined composition. The group has to report to the international body but it is not bound by the wishes of the global organization or by the PA.

Additionally, it requires the formation of a specialized Palestinian group that is supposed to run day-to-day governance of the territory and the provision of utilities, but it is quite ambiguous who would participate.

Stabilisation Team Mission

The mandate of the ISF authorizes it to neutralize and disband militant organizations in the territory, but it is far from clear that possible sending countries would agree to attempt to face such groups. None of the states has so far pledged to sending peacekeepers.

Additionally the requirements for changes to the PA, the requirement towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been unclear.

EU representatives said they viewed it as pressing that the members of the expert panel to deliver services was agreed as quickly as possible.