United Nations Security Council Backs the US Gaza Proposal

The Security Council has supported measures presented by the US president for establishing a long-term stability in the Gaza Strip, including the deployment of an global peacekeeping force and a possible route to a Palestinian statehood.

Broad Approval with Notable Abstentions

The proposal was approved by a tally of 13-0, with Russia and China choosing not to vote. America's representative the American delegate informed the council chamber that it charted “a new course in the Middle East for both sides and all the people of the region alike”.

Negotiated Wording on Palestinian Statehood

Addition of mentions to an independent Palestine was the trade-off the America offered for endorsement from the Muslim nations, who are likely to contribute peacekeepers for the global force.

“The transitional arrangements that we begin today must be implemented in adhering to international law and honoring Palestinian rights,” Britain's representative affirmed.

Netanyahu's Objection Remains

Nonetheless, on the verge of the council decision, PM the Israeli leader restated his government’s adamant opposition to the creation of a independent Palestinian entity, creating uncertainty on whether Israel will accept the execution of the internationally endorsed measures.

Main Elements of the Resolution

• Immediate lifting of ongoing restrictions on assistance into the territory
• Formation of an international stabilisation force
• Steps toward restoration and a potential “route to Palestinian independence and nationhood”

Ambiguous Phrasing and Requirements

The reference to Palestinian statehood was a balanced insertion to an initial US draft which omitted it. But the phrasing is vague and dependent, stating only that once the Palestinian Authority has implemented reforms and the reconstruction of the strip is advancing, “the situation may ultimately be in position for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty.”

International Reaction

The wording did not meet of the definite pledge to the building of a sovereign Palestine next to Israel desired by Muslim nations, as well as EU representatives, but in speeches to the chamber after the decision, delegates from those states said they were prepared to accept the settlement 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.

“We has ultimately decided to endorse of this text, a resolution that we support its core objective, namely the continuation of the truce and the creation of circumstances permitting the Palestinians to assert their immeasurable rights to sovereignty and statehood,” Algeria's representative announced.

Implementation Challenges

The proposal provides overall oversight authority to a “peace board” led by the US president, but of undefined composition. The group has to update the United Nations but it is not required to follow the wishes of the global organization or by the PA.

Furthermore, it demands the formation of a Palestinian technocratic committee that is tasked with overseeing routine management of the Gaza and the provision of utilities, but it is highly uncertain who would take part.

Peacekeeping Unit Authority

The mission of the ISF authorizes it to remove and dissolve fighting factions in Gaza, but it is quite ambiguous that possible sending countries would consent to engage such organizations. Not a single nation has to date committed itself to dispatching troops.

Furthermore the requirements for changes to the PA, the requirement towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been unclear.

European officials said they deemed it necessary that the names of the expert panel to distribute aid was settled as promptly.