United Nations Council Backs the US Gaza Initiative

The global body has approved measures presented by the US president for achieving a long-term stability in Gaza, encompassing the introduction of an international stabilisation force and a potential path to a sovereign Palestinian state.

Unanimous Support with Key Absent Votes

The proposal was passed by a count of thirteen supporting, with Russia and China abstaining. America's representative Mike Waltz told the council chamber that it set “a new course in the area for both sides and all the people of the territory alike”.

Balanced Phrasing on Palestinian Statehood

Addition of references to an independent Palestine was the trade-off the United States offered for backing from the Muslim nations, who are expected to provide peacekeepers for the global force.

“Provisional steps that we begin today must be implemented in accordance with legal norms and honoring Palestinian rights,” the UK chargé d’affaires declared.

Government Resistance Continues

Nevertheless, on the verge of the council decision, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu restated his administration's adamant opposition to the establishment of a independent Palestinian entity, creating uncertainty on whether Israel will accept the execution of the Council-backed plan.

Main Elements of the Measure

• Prompt removal of remaining curbs on humanitarian aid into the strip
• Creation of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Moves towards restoration and a eventual “pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood”

Ambiguous Wording and Conditions

The reference to independence was a compromise addition to an original American proposal which did not mention it. However the phrasing is vague and conditional, declaring only that once the PA has reformed itself and the rebuilding of the territory is under way, “the situation may finally be in readiness for a feasible course to Palestinian independence and nationhood.”

International Reaction

The language was insufficient of the definite pledge to the creation of a sovereign Palestine next to Israel requested by Arab countries, as well as EU representatives, but in statements to the chamber after the approval, delegates from those states said they were prepared to accept the settlement in the interests of continuing the current truce and immediate measures to provide for and safeguard the 2.2 million Palestinian people in the territory.

“Our delegation has eventually decided to vote in favour of this text, a measure that we back its core objective, namely the continuation of the truce and the establishment of situations allowing the Palestinians to assert their immeasurable rights to independence and statehood,” Amar Bendjama announced.

Execution Hurdles

The resolution grants general supervisory power to a “stabilisation committee” led by Donald Trump, but of unspecified participants. The board has to inform the international body but it is not required to follow the wishes of the UN or by the Palestinian Authority.

Furthermore, it demands the creation of a expert Palestinian panel that is expected to manage day-to-day governance of the Gaza and the distribution of aid, but it is far from clear who would take part.

Security Force Authority

The mandate of the global force gives it authority to disarm and dismantle fighting factions in Gaza, but it is far from clear that potential participating nations would consent to engage such factions. No country has so far agreed to contributing forces.

Furthermore the requirements for changes to the PA, the precondition towards progress on independence, have been vague.

European officials said they considered it urgent that the names of the Palestinian technocratic committee to deliver services was agreed as promptly.