United Nations Council Endorses Trump's Gaza Initiative

A UN Security Council has approved measures advanced by Donald Trump for securing a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, including the stationing of an global peacekeeping force and a potential avenue to a sovereign Palestinian state.

Broad Backing with Notable Abstentions

This measure was adopted by a vote of thirteen supporting, with China and Russia choosing not to vote. America's representative the US ambassador informed the UN assembly that it charted “a fresh direction in the region for Israelis and Palestinians and all the people of the territory alike”.

Balanced Language on Independence

Addition of references to an self-governing Palestine was the trade-off the United States agreed to for backing from the Arab states, who are expected to provide security forces for the global force.

“Interim measures that we embark on today must be executed in accordance with global standards and respecting Palestinian sovereignty,” Britain's representative declared.

Government Objection Persists

Nevertheless, on the brink of the council decision, Israeli prime minister the Israeli leader reaffirmed his government’s adamant opposition to the creation of a sovereign Palestine, casting doubt on whether Israel will permit the enactment of the internationally endorsed measures.

Main Elements of the Measure

• Prompt removal of remaining curbs on relief supplies into the strip
• Establishment of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Progress on rebuilding and a possible “route to Palestinian self-determination and statehood”

Unclear Phrasing and Requirements

The inclusion to sovereignty was a compromise addition to an initial US draft which omitted it. However the phrasing is unclear and contingent, stating only that once the Palestinian Authority has undergone changes and the reconstruction of the strip is under way, “the situation may eventually be in place for a feasible course to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.”

International Reaction

The language did not meet of the strong guarantee to the building of a Palestinian state beside Israel sought by Arab countries, as well as European council members, but in statements to the chamber after the vote, envoys from those states said they were prepared to accept the compromise in the benefit of continuing the present ceasefire and prompt actions to assist and secure the over two million Palestinians in Gaza.

“Our delegation has finally decided to vote in favour of this resolution, a measure that we approve its primary aim, namely the preservation of the ceasefire and the creation of conditions allowing the Palestinian population to assert their basic entitlements to independence and nationhood,” the Algerian envoy announced.

Practical Difficulties

The proposal grants overall oversight authority to a “peace board” chaired by Donald Trump, but of unspecified participants. The group has to inform the international body but it is not obligated by the desires of the UN or by the Palestinian Authority.

It also calls for the establishment of a specialized Palestinian group that is expected to manage routine management of the territory and the distribution of aid, but it is far from clear who would participate.

Security Force Authority

The mandate of the ISF gives it authority to remove and dissolve fighting factions in the territory, but it is far from clear that possible sending countries would agree to attempt to engage such groups. None of the states has to date agreed to dispatching troops.

Moreover the criteria for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the requirement towards moves to a sovereign Palestinian, have been hazy.

European officials said they viewed it as pressing that the identities of the Palestinian technocratic committee to deliver services was determined as without delay.