UN Council Backs the US Gaza Proposal
The Security Council has supported a plan put forward by the US president for securing a durable ceasefire in Gaza, encompassing the deployment of an global peacekeeping force and a possible path to a Palestinian statehood.
Widespread Approval with Key Abstentions
The resolution was adopted by a count of thirteen supporting, with China and Russia choosing not to vote. America's representative the American delegate informed the UN assembly that it charted “a new course in the Middle East for both sides and all the residents of the area alike”.
Compromise Language on Palestinian Statehood
The inclusion of references to an independent Palestine was the concession the United States offered for endorsement from the Muslim nations, who are likely to provide peacekeepers for the global force.
“The transitional arrangements that we start today must be implemented in accordance with international law and respecting Palestinian rights,” Britain's representative affirmed.
Netanyahu's Objection Persists
Nonetheless, on the eve of the UN vote, PM Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his administration's strong objection to the establishment of a independent Palestinian entity, raising questions on whether Tel Aviv will accept the execution of the internationally endorsed measures.
Main Elements of the Resolution
- Immediate lifting of remaining curbs on assistance into the strip
- Establishment of an international stabilisation force
- Progress on reconstruction and a eventual “avenue to Palestinian sovereignty and nationhood”
Ambiguous Wording and Stipulations
The mention to Palestinian statehood was a balanced insertion to an initial US draft which excluded it. However the language is vague and contingent, promising only that once the Palestinian Authority has undergone changes and the restoration of the territory is advancing, “the circumstances may eventually be in readiness for a realistic route to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty.”
Worldwide Feedback
The phrasing was insufficient of the firm commitment to the creation of a independent Palestinian entity alongside Israel desired by Arab and Islamic states, as well as EU representatives, but in speeches to the chamber after the vote, delegates from those nations said they were willing to endorse the settlement in the interests of continuing the current truce and prompt actions to assist and secure the over two million Palestinians in Gaza.
“We has ultimately decided to endorse of this text, a resolution that we support its primary aim, namely the preservation of the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of conditions permitting the Palestinians to assert their fundamental rights to self-determination and statehood,” the Algerian envoy announced.
Practical Difficulties
The resolution gives general supervisory power to a “stabilisation committee” led by the US president, but of uncertain membership. This committee has to update the United Nations but it is not obligated by the preferences of the United Nations or by the Palestinian Authority.
Additionally, it requires the creation of a specialized Palestinian group that is supposed to run daily administration of the territory and the provision of utilities, but it is far from clear who would take part.
Peacekeeping Unit Mission
The mandate of the ISF authorizes it to remove and dissolve fighting factions in the strip, but it is far from clear that potential participating nations would consent to confront such groups. None of the states has to date committed itself to dispatching troops.
Furthermore the standards for modification of Palestinian leadership, the prerequisite towards steps to Palestinian statehood, have been unclear.
EU representatives said they considered it urgent that the identities of the specialized group to distribute aid was agreed as promptly.
