🔗 Share this article UN Security Council Approves Trump's Gaza Initiative The global body has approved proposals put forward by Donald Trump for securing a long-term stability in Gaza, featuring the deployment of an international stabilisation force and a potential avenue to a independent Palestine. Broad Backing with Notable Abstentions This measure was approved by a tally of 13-0, with China and Russia abstaining. The US envoy the US ambassador addressed the council chamber that it charted “a different path in the region for Israelis and Palestinians and all the inhabitants of the territory alike”. Balanced Language on Palestinian Statehood Addition of mentions to an independent Palestine was the trade-off the United States offered for support from the Muslim nations, who are likely to contribute security forces for the international stabilisation force (ISF). “Interim measures that we embark on today must be carried out in accordance with international law and upholding Palestinian rights,” the UK chargé d’affaires affirmed. Israeli Objection Remains Nonetheless, on the eve of the council decision, PM Netanyahu reiterated his administration's strong objection to the creation of a sovereign Palestine, raising questions on whether Tel Aviv will allow the implementation of the UN-mandated proposals. Main Elements of the Proposal Immediate lifting of ongoing restrictions on relief supplies into Gaza Creation of an multinational peacekeeping unit Moves towards restoration and a eventual “pathway to Palestinian sovereignty and nationhood” Unclear Phrasing and Requirements The reference to Palestinian statehood was a negotiated inclusion to an initial US draft which excluded it. Yet the phrasing is vague and dependent, declaring only that once the Palestinian Authority has reformed itself and the restoration of the territory is advancing, “the circumstances may ultimately be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian independence and sovereignty.” Global Feedback The phrasing was insufficient of the definite pledge to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine next to Israel sought by Muslim nations, as well as European council members, but in speeches to the chamber after the decision, envoys from those countries said they were willing to endorse the settlement in the service of prolonging the current truce and immediate measures to feed and protect the millions of Palestinian residents in the territory. “Our delegation has ultimately decided to endorse of this text, a text that we back its core objective, namely the preservation of the truce and the establishment of conditions permitting the Palestinians to assert their immeasurable rights to self-determination and sovereignty,” Algeria's representative stated. Practical Difficulties The proposal gives comprehensive monitoring control to a “stabilisation committee” led by the US president, but of undefined composition. The board has to report to the UN but it is not bound by the preferences of the UN or by the Palestinian leadership. Additionally, it requires the creation of a expert Palestinian panel that is supposed to run day-to-day governance of the territory and the delivery of services, but it is highly uncertain who would be involved. Stabilisation Team Mandate The authority of the ISF empowers it to remove and dissolve armed groups in the territory, but it is highly uncertain that would-be troop contributors would consent to engage such groups. None of the states has to date pledged to contributing forces. Moreover the standards for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the requirement towards progress on independence, have been unclear. EU representatives said they deemed it necessary that the identities of the expert panel to provide utilities was agreed as without delay.
The global body has approved proposals put forward by Donald Trump for securing a long-term stability in Gaza, featuring the deployment of an international stabilisation force and a potential avenue to a independent Palestine. Broad Backing with Notable Abstentions This measure was approved by a tally of 13-0, with China and Russia abstaining. The US envoy the US ambassador addressed the council chamber that it charted “a different path in the region for Israelis and Palestinians and all the inhabitants of the territory alike”. Balanced Language on Palestinian Statehood Addition of mentions to an independent Palestine was the trade-off the United States offered for support from the Muslim nations, who are likely to contribute security forces for the international stabilisation force (ISF). “Interim measures that we embark on today must be carried out in accordance with international law and upholding Palestinian rights,” the UK chargé d’affaires affirmed. Israeli Objection Remains Nonetheless, on the eve of the council decision, PM Netanyahu reiterated his administration's strong objection to the creation of a sovereign Palestine, raising questions on whether Tel Aviv will allow the implementation of the UN-mandated proposals. Main Elements of the Proposal Immediate lifting of ongoing restrictions on relief supplies into Gaza Creation of an multinational peacekeeping unit Moves towards restoration and a eventual “pathway to Palestinian sovereignty and nationhood” Unclear Phrasing and Requirements The reference to Palestinian statehood was a negotiated inclusion to an initial US draft which excluded it. Yet the phrasing is vague and dependent, declaring only that once the Palestinian Authority has reformed itself and the restoration of the territory is advancing, “the circumstances may ultimately be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian independence and sovereignty.” Global Feedback The phrasing was insufficient of the definite pledge to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine next to Israel sought by Muslim nations, as well as European council members, but in speeches to the chamber after the decision, envoys from those countries said they were willing to endorse the settlement in the service of prolonging the current truce and immediate measures to feed and protect the millions of Palestinian residents in the territory. “Our delegation has ultimately decided to endorse of this text, a text that we back its core objective, namely the preservation of the truce and the establishment of conditions permitting the Palestinians to assert their immeasurable rights to self-determination and sovereignty,” Algeria's representative stated. Practical Difficulties The proposal gives comprehensive monitoring control to a “stabilisation committee” led by the US president, but of undefined composition. The board has to report to the UN but it is not bound by the preferences of the UN or by the Palestinian leadership. Additionally, it requires the creation of a expert Palestinian panel that is supposed to run day-to-day governance of the territory and the delivery of services, but it is highly uncertain who would be involved. Stabilisation Team Mandate The authority of the ISF empowers it to remove and dissolve armed groups in the territory, but it is highly uncertain that would-be troop contributors would consent to engage such groups. None of the states has to date pledged to contributing forces. Moreover the standards for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the requirement towards progress on independence, have been unclear. EU representatives said they deemed it necessary that the identities of the expert panel to provide utilities was agreed as without delay.