🔗 Share this article United Nations Council Backs Trump's Gaza Proposal A Security Council has voted to endorse a plan put forward by President Trump for securing a lasting peace in Gaza, featuring the introduction of an global peacekeeping force and a eventual route to a independent Palestine. Unanimous Support with Notable Abstentions This measure was adopted by a count of thirteen supporting, with Russia and China abstaining. Washington's diplomat the US ambassador informed the UN assembly that it set “a fresh direction in the area for the conflicting parties and all the residents of the area alike”. Balanced Language on Palestinian Statehood Addition of references to an self-governing Palestine was the price the United States paid for support from the Arab states, who are expected to supply security forces for the international stabilisation force (ISF). “Provisional steps that we embark on today must be executed in adhering to global standards and respecting Palestinian rights,” the UK chargé d’affaires declared. Israeli Objection Remains Nonetheless, on the eve of the resolution approval, Israeli prime minister Netanyahu reiterated his government’s strong objection to the formation of a Palestinian state, creating uncertainty on whether Israel will permit the enactment of the internationally endorsed measures. Central Components of the Proposal Prompt removal of ongoing restrictions on humanitarian aid into the strip Establishment of an multinational peacekeeping unit Steps toward rebuilding and a potential “pathway to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty” Unclear Language and Stipulations The mention to sovereignty was a compromise addition to an initial US draft which excluded it. But the wording is unclear and conditional, promising only that once the Palestinian Authority has implemented reforms and the rebuilding of the territory is progressing, “the circumstances may ultimately be in position for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.” International Response The phrasing did not meet of the definite pledge to the building of a Palestinian state alongside Israel sought by Muslim nations, as well as European delegates, but in statements to the assembly after the approval, delegates from those states said they were ready to support the compromise in the benefit of extending the ongoing cessation of hostilities and swift steps to feed and protect the 2.2 million Palestinians in the territory. “We has eventually decided to endorse of this text, a measure that we support its primary aim, namely the continuation of the ceasefire and the creation of situations allowing the Palestinians to assert their immeasurable rights to independence and statehood,” Algeria's representative declared. Practical Difficulties This measure grants overall oversight authority to a “stabilisation committee” headed by Donald Trump, but of unspecified participants. This committee has to report to the international body but it is not required to follow the preferences of the United Nations or by the Palestinian Authority. It also calls for the creation of a expert Palestinian panel that is tasked with overseeing daily administration of the Gaza Strip and the delivery of services, but it is quite ambiguous who would take part. Stabilisation Team Authority The mission of the global force empowers it to neutralize and disband militant organizations in the strip, but it is far from clear that would-be troop contributors would be willing to face such groups. None of the states has to date committed itself to sending peacekeepers. Moreover the standards for modification of Palestinian leadership, the precondition towards progress on independence, have been unclear. European officials said they viewed it as pressing that the identities of the specialized group to distribute aid was agreed as without delay.
A Security Council has voted to endorse a plan put forward by President Trump for securing a lasting peace in Gaza, featuring the introduction of an global peacekeeping force and a eventual route to a independent Palestine. Unanimous Support with Notable Abstentions This measure was adopted by a count of thirteen supporting, with Russia and China abstaining. Washington's diplomat the US ambassador informed the UN assembly that it set “a fresh direction in the area for the conflicting parties and all the residents of the area alike”. Balanced Language on Palestinian Statehood Addition of references to an self-governing Palestine was the price the United States paid for support from the Arab states, who are expected to supply security forces for the international stabilisation force (ISF). “Provisional steps that we embark on today must be executed in adhering to global standards and respecting Palestinian rights,” the UK chargé d’affaires declared. Israeli Objection Remains Nonetheless, on the eve of the resolution approval, Israeli prime minister Netanyahu reiterated his government’s strong objection to the formation of a Palestinian state, creating uncertainty on whether Israel will permit the enactment of the internationally endorsed measures. Central Components of the Proposal Prompt removal of ongoing restrictions on humanitarian aid into the strip Establishment of an multinational peacekeeping unit Steps toward rebuilding and a potential “pathway to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty” Unclear Language and Stipulations The mention to sovereignty was a compromise addition to an initial US draft which excluded it. But the wording is unclear and conditional, promising only that once the Palestinian Authority has implemented reforms and the rebuilding of the territory is progressing, “the circumstances may ultimately be in position for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.” International Response The phrasing did not meet of the definite pledge to the building of a Palestinian state alongside Israel sought by Muslim nations, as well as European delegates, but in statements to the assembly after the approval, delegates from those states said they were ready to support the compromise in the benefit of extending the ongoing cessation of hostilities and swift steps to feed and protect the 2.2 million Palestinians in the territory. “We has eventually decided to endorse of this text, a measure that we support its primary aim, namely the continuation of the ceasefire and the creation of situations allowing the Palestinians to assert their immeasurable rights to independence and statehood,” Algeria's representative declared. Practical Difficulties This measure grants overall oversight authority to a “stabilisation committee” headed by Donald Trump, but of unspecified participants. This committee has to report to the international body but it is not required to follow the preferences of the United Nations or by the Palestinian Authority. It also calls for the creation of a expert Palestinian panel that is tasked with overseeing daily administration of the Gaza Strip and the delivery of services, but it is quite ambiguous who would take part. Stabilisation Team Authority The mission of the global force empowers it to neutralize and disband militant organizations in the strip, but it is far from clear that would-be troop contributors would be willing to face such groups. None of the states has to date committed itself to sending peacekeepers. Moreover the standards for modification of Palestinian leadership, the precondition towards progress on independence, have been unclear. European officials said they viewed it as pressing that the identities of the specialized group to distribute aid was agreed as without delay.