🔗 Share this article United Nations Council Endorses Donald Trump's Gaza Strip Proposal The global body has supported proposals advanced by Donald Trump for achieving a long-term stability in Gaza, including the stationing of an global peacekeeping force and a possible route to a independent Palestine. Widespread Support with Notable Abstentions The resolution was approved by a count of 13-0, with China and Russia declining to cast votes. The US envoy the US ambassador told the international body that it charted “a fresh direction in the area for the conflicting parties and all the people of the region alike”. Balanced Wording on Palestinian Statehood Incorporation of allusions to an sovereign Palestinian state was the price the United States paid for endorsement from the Arab and Islamic world, who are expected to provide stabilisation troops for the multinational unit. “The transitional arrangements that we embark on today must be carried out in adhering to legal norms and upholding Palestinian self-determination,” the UK chargé d’affaires affirmed. Israeli Resistance Remains However, on the verge of the council decision, leader the Israeli leader restated his cabinet's firm resistance to the establishment of a independent Palestinian entity, creating uncertainty on whether Tel Aviv will accept the execution of the internationally endorsed measures. Main Elements of the Proposal Swift elimination of existing limitations on humanitarian aid into the strip Establishment of an multinational peacekeeping unit Progress on reconstruction and a eventual “route to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty” Ambiguous Phrasing and Conditions The mention to Palestinian statehood was a negotiated inclusion to an initial US draft which did not mention it. But the wording is vague and dependent, stating only that once the PA has implemented reforms and the restoration of the territory is progressing, “the circumstances may eventually be in position for a feasible course to Palestinian sovereignty and statehood.” Worldwide Feedback The phrasing did not meet of the firm commitment to the building of a sovereign Palestine beside Israel requested by Arab countries, as well as European council members, but in speeches to the council after the approval, delegates from those states said they were willing to endorse the agreement in the interests of continuing the ongoing cessation of hostilities and prompt actions to assist and secure the 2.2 million Palestinian residents in the strip. “Our delegation has eventually decided to endorse of this resolution, a text that we support its core objective, namely the maintenance of the ceasefire and the formation of circumstances allowing the Palestinian population to exercise their basic entitlements to self-determination and nationhood,” Amar Bendjama stated. Execution Hurdles The resolution provides overall oversight authority to a “peace board” headed by the US president, but of undefined composition. The board has to update the international body but it is not bound by the preferences of the UN or by the Palestinian leadership. Furthermore, it demands the creation of a specialized Palestinian group that is expected to manage routine management of the Gaza Strip and the delivery of services, but it is quite ambiguous who would be involved. Security Force Authority The mission of the ISF empowers it to neutralize and disband armed groups in Gaza, but it is highly uncertain that potential participating nations would agree to attempt to face such organizations. None of the states has to date committed itself to dispatching troops. Moreover the criteria for modification of Palestinian leadership, the precondition towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been vague. European officials said they considered it urgent that the members of the expert panel to provide utilities was agreed as promptly.
The global body has supported proposals advanced by Donald Trump for achieving a long-term stability in Gaza, including the stationing of an global peacekeeping force and a possible route to a independent Palestine. Widespread Support with Notable Abstentions The resolution was approved by a count of 13-0, with China and Russia declining to cast votes. The US envoy the US ambassador told the international body that it charted “a fresh direction in the area for the conflicting parties and all the people of the region alike”. Balanced Wording on Palestinian Statehood Incorporation of allusions to an sovereign Palestinian state was the price the United States paid for endorsement from the Arab and Islamic world, who are expected to provide stabilisation troops for the multinational unit. “The transitional arrangements that we embark on today must be carried out in adhering to legal norms and upholding Palestinian self-determination,” the UK chargé d’affaires affirmed. Israeli Resistance Remains However, on the verge of the council decision, leader the Israeli leader restated his cabinet's firm resistance to the establishment of a independent Palestinian entity, creating uncertainty on whether Tel Aviv will accept the execution of the internationally endorsed measures. Main Elements of the Proposal Swift elimination of existing limitations on humanitarian aid into the strip Establishment of an multinational peacekeeping unit Progress on reconstruction and a eventual “route to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty” Ambiguous Phrasing and Conditions The mention to Palestinian statehood was a negotiated inclusion to an initial US draft which did not mention it. But the wording is vague and dependent, stating only that once the PA has implemented reforms and the restoration of the territory is progressing, “the circumstances may eventually be in position for a feasible course to Palestinian sovereignty and statehood.” Worldwide Feedback The phrasing did not meet of the firm commitment to the building of a sovereign Palestine beside Israel requested by Arab countries, as well as European council members, but in speeches to the council after the approval, delegates from those states said they were willing to endorse the agreement in the interests of continuing the ongoing cessation of hostilities and prompt actions to assist and secure the 2.2 million Palestinian residents in the strip. “Our delegation has eventually decided to endorse of this resolution, a text that we support its core objective, namely the maintenance of the ceasefire and the formation of circumstances allowing the Palestinian population to exercise their basic entitlements to self-determination and nationhood,” Amar Bendjama stated. Execution Hurdles The resolution provides overall oversight authority to a “peace board” headed by the US president, but of undefined composition. The board has to update the international body but it is not bound by the preferences of the UN or by the Palestinian leadership. Furthermore, it demands the creation of a specialized Palestinian group that is expected to manage routine management of the Gaza Strip and the delivery of services, but it is quite ambiguous who would be involved. Security Force Authority The mission of the ISF empowers it to neutralize and disband armed groups in Gaza, but it is highly uncertain that potential participating nations would agree to attempt to face such organizations. None of the states has to date committed itself to dispatching troops. Moreover the criteria for modification of Palestinian leadership, the precondition towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been vague. European officials said they considered it urgent that the members of the expert panel to provide utilities was agreed as promptly.