UN Security Council Backs the US Gaza Strip Peace Plan

The global body has supported proposals put forward by the US president for establishing a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, encompassing the introduction of an global peacekeeping force and a possible route to a sovereign Palestinian state.

Widespread Support with Notable Abstentions

The proposal was approved by a vote of 13-0, with Russia and China abstaining. Washington's diplomat the US ambassador told the UN assembly that it set “a new course in the region for both sides and all the inhabitants of the region alike”.

Negotiated Wording on Sovereignty

Addition of allusions to an sovereign Palestinian state was the trade-off the United States paid for endorsement from the Arab states, who are likely to supply security forces for the global force.

“The transitional arrangements that we start today must be implemented in following international law and upholding Palestinian sovereignty,” James Kariuki affirmed.

Government Opposition Persists

Nevertheless, on the verge of the UN vote, leader the Israeli leader reaffirmed his cabinet's adamant opposition to the creation of a independent Palestinian entity, raising questions on whether Tel Aviv will allow the enactment of the internationally endorsed measures.

Main Elements of the Resolution

• Prompt removal of remaining curbs on humanitarian aid into the territory
• Formation of an international stabilisation force
• Steps toward reconstruction and a possible “avenue to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty”

Unclear Phrasing and Conditions

The reference to sovereignty was a negotiated inclusion to an first US version which omitted it. However the wording is vague and contingent, promising only that once the Palestinian leadership has implemented reforms and the restoration of the territory is advancing, “the circumstances may finally be in place for a realistic route to Palestinian self-determination and nationhood.”

International Response

The phrasing did not meet of the strong guarantee to the building of a Palestinian state alongside Israel sought by Muslim nations, as well as European delegates, but in statements to the council after the approval, envoys from those countries said they were prepared to accept the compromise in the interests of prolonging the ongoing cessation of hostilities and swift steps to provide for and safeguard the millions of Palestinian people in the strip.

“Algeria has eventually decided to endorse of this resolution, a text that we back its main goal, namely the preservation of the ceasefire and the creation of situations allowing the Palestinian people to claim their fundamental rights to sovereignty and nationhood,” Algeria's representative stated.

Practical Difficulties

This measure provides general supervisory power to a “stabilisation committee” chaired by the US president, but of undefined composition. The group has to report to 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 Palestinian technocratic committee that is expected to manage day-to-day governance of the territory and the delivery of services, but it is quite ambiguous who would take part.

Peacekeeping Unit Authority

The mission of the ISF empowers it to disarm and dismantle militant organizations in the territory, but it is highly uncertain that possible sending countries would consent to engage such groups. No country has so far pledged to dispatching troops.

Additionally the criteria for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the precondition towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been unclear.

European diplomats said they deemed it necessary that the identities of the expert panel to provide utilities was settled as promptly.