United Nations Security Council Approves Trump's Gaza Peace Plan

The Security Council has voted to endorse measures advanced by the US president for securing a long-term stability in Gaza, encompassing the stationing of an multinational security unit and a eventual avenue to a sovereign Palestinian state.

Unanimous Support with Key Abstentions

This measure was adopted by a count of 13-0, with both China and Russia choosing not to vote. The US envoy Mike Waltz addressed the UN assembly that it set “a fresh direction in the region for the conflicting parties and all the residents of the territory alike”.

Balanced Wording on Sovereignty

Addition of references to an independent Palestine was the price the US offered for endorsement from the Arab states, who are anticipated to supply security forces for the multinational unit.

“Interim measures that we begin today must be carried out in following global standards and respecting Palestinian rights,” James Kariuki declared.

Government Resistance Remains

Nevertheless, on the eve of the resolution approval, Israeli prime minister the Israeli leader reiterated his administration's adamant opposition to the creation of a independent Palestinian entity, creating uncertainty on whether Israel will accept the enactment of the internationally endorsed measures.

Central Components of the Resolution

• Prompt removal of ongoing restrictions on relief supplies into the territory
• Establishment of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Progress on reconstruction and a possible “pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood”

Unclear Wording and Stipulations

The reference to Palestinian statehood was a balanced insertion to an initial US draft which did not mention it. Yet the phrasing is vague and conditional, stating only that once the Palestinian leadership has undergone changes and the reconstruction of the territory is progressing, “the situation may finally be in place for a feasible course to Palestinian self-determination and nationhood.”

Worldwide Response

The wording fell far short of the strong guarantee to the establishment of a Palestinian state next to Israel sought by Muslim nations, as well as European council members, but in speeches to the assembly after the approval, delegates from those nations said they were ready to support the compromise in the interests of prolonging the present ceasefire and swift steps to provide for and safeguard the millions of Palestinians in the strip.

“Our delegation has finally decided to vote in favour of this document, a measure that we approve its primary aim, namely the continuation of the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of conditions allowing the Palestinian people to assert their fundamental rights to sovereignty and nationhood,” Amar Bendjama declared.

Implementation Challenges

The resolution grants general supervisory power to a “stabilisation committee” headed by Donald Trump, but of unspecified participants. This committee has to inform the international body but it is not bound by the preferences of the UN or by the Palestinian Authority.

Furthermore, it demands the creation of a specialized Palestinian group that is supposed to run routine management of the Gaza Strip and the provision of utilities, but it is far from clear who would participate.

Peacekeeping Unit Authority

The mission of the global force gives it authority to disarm and dismantle fighting factions in the territory, but it is highly uncertain that would-be troop contributors would agree to attempt to confront such groups. No country has so far committed itself to sending peacekeepers.

Furthermore the criteria for changes to the PA, the prerequisite towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been vague.

EU representatives said they deemed it necessary that the members of the Palestinian technocratic committee to provide utilities was agreed as quickly as possible.