United Nations Council Backs the US Gaza Strip Peace Plan
The UN Security Council has supported measures advanced by the US president for achieving a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, encompassing the deployment of an international stabilisation force and a potential path to a independent Palestine.
Unanimous Backing with Key Abstentions
The resolution was passed by a tally of thirteen in favor, with Russia and China declining to cast votes. Washington's diplomat the US ambassador told the UN assembly that it set “a different path in the Middle East for both sides and all the residents of the territory alike”.
Negotiated Wording on Palestinian Statehood
Incorporation of mentions to an sovereign Palestinian state was the trade-off the US paid for endorsement from the Muslim nations, who are likely to supply stabilisation troops for the multinational unit.
“Interim measures that we embark on today must be implemented in accordance with legal norms and respecting Palestinian sovereignty,” James Kariuki declared.
Government Objection Persists
Nevertheless, on the brink of the resolution approval, leader Netanyahu restated his cabinet's strong objection to the creation of a Palestinian state, raising questions on whether Israel will permit the enactment of the UN-mandated proposals.
Main Elements of the Resolution
- Prompt removal of remaining curbs on assistance into the strip
- Formation of an multinational peacekeeping unit
- Steps toward rebuilding and a possible “route to Palestinian self-determination and nationhood”
Ambiguous Wording and Requirements
The inclusion to sovereignty was a negotiated inclusion to an first US version which omitted it. However the wording is unclear and contingent, promising only that once the Palestinian Authority has implemented reforms and the restoration of Gaza is progressing, “the circumstances may ultimately be in readiness for a feasible course to Palestinian independence and statehood.”
International Feedback
The phrasing did not meet of the strong guarantee to the creation of a sovereign Palestine next to Israel desired by Muslim nations, as well as European council members, but in speeches to the chamber after the decision, envoys from those nations said they were prepared to accept the agreement in the interests of prolonging the ongoing cessation of hostilities and swift steps to feed and protect the millions of Palestinian people in the strip.
“Our delegation has finally decided to support of this document, a measure that we approve its primary aim, namely the preservation of the truce and the establishment of circumstances enabling the Palestinian population to claim their basic entitlements to sovereignty and statehood,” the Algerian envoy declared.
Execution Hurdles
The resolution gives comprehensive monitoring control to a “peace board” headed by the US president, but of unspecified participants. The board has to inform the international body but it is not obligated by the desires of the United Nations or by the Palestinian Authority.
Furthermore, it demands the formation of a expert Palestinian panel that is tasked with overseeing routine management of the Gaza and the delivery of services, but it is far from clear who would take part.
Stabilisation Team Authority
The mandate of the global force empowers it to neutralize and disband armed groups in the territory, but it is far from clear that would-be troop contributors would be willing to confront such groups. Not a single nation has to date pledged to dispatching troops.
Moreover the requirements for modification of Palestinian leadership, the precondition towards progress on independence, have been vague.
European diplomats said they considered it urgent that the names of the Palestinian technocratic committee to provide utilities was agreed as without delay.