UN Council Endorses Donald Trump's Gaza Strip Peace Plan

A global body has voted to endorse proposals advanced by the US president for achieving a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, including the stationing of an international stabilisation force and a eventual route to a independent Palestine.

Widespread Support with Key Abstentions

This measure was adopted by a count of thirteen in favor, with China and Russia declining to cast votes. The US envoy the American delegate told the UN assembly that it mapped “a fresh direction in the Middle East for both sides and all the residents of the region alike”.

Balanced Language on Independence

Incorporation of references to an self-governing Palestine was the price the America offered for support from the Arab states, who are likely to provide stabilisation troops for the international stabilisation force (ISF).

“Interim measures that we begin today must be implemented in following global standards and respecting Palestinian self-determination,” the UK chargé d’affaires stated.

Government Opposition Remains

Nevertheless, on the verge of the council decision, Israeli prime minister Netanyahu reiterated his administration's strong objection to the establishment of a Palestinian state, casting doubt on whether Israel will allow the execution of the Council-backed plan.

Main Elements of the Proposal

• Immediate lifting of existing limitations on relief supplies into Gaza
• Formation of an international stabilisation force
• Moves towards restoration and a possible “avenue to Palestinian self-determination and statehood”

Vague Phrasing and Conditions

The inclusion to sovereignty was a negotiated inclusion to an first US version which omitted it. Yet the language is unclear and dependent, declaring only that once the Palestinian Authority has implemented reforms and the restoration of the territory is under way, “the conditions may ultimately be in readiness for a realistic route to Palestinian sovereignty and sovereignty.”

Worldwide Feedback

The phrasing was insufficient of the definite pledge to the creation of a independent Palestinian entity next to Israel desired by Arab countries, as well as European delegates, but in speeches to the council after the vote, delegates from those nations said they were ready to support the agreement in the service of continuing the ongoing cessation of hostilities and prompt actions to feed and protect the millions of Palestinian residents in Gaza.

“Algeria has finally decided to endorse of this text, a resolution that we support its primary aim, namely the continuation of the ceasefire and the creation of circumstances enabling the Palestinians to exercise their basic entitlements to sovereignty and statehood,” Algeria's representative announced.

Implementation Challenges

The proposal grants overall oversight authority to a “stabilisation committee” chaired by Trump, but of uncertain membership. The group has to update the United Nations but it is not required to follow the preferences of the global organization or by the PA.

Additionally, it requires the establishment of a Palestinian technocratic committee that is expected to manage day-to-day governance of the Gaza and the distribution of aid, but it is far from clear who would participate.

Stabilisation Team Authority

The mandate of the global force gives it authority to neutralize and disband armed groups in Gaza, but it is highly uncertain that possible sending countries would agree to attempt to face such groups. None of the states has so far agreed to sending peacekeepers.

Furthermore the standards for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the prerequisite towards steps to Palestinian statehood, have been unclear.

European diplomats said they viewed it as pressing that the members of the expert panel to provide utilities was agreed as without delay.