UN Security Council Backs the US Gaza Initiative

A Security Council has voted to endorse a plan presented by the US president for achieving a durable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, including the introduction of an international stabilisation force and a eventual path to a Palestinian statehood.

Unanimous Backing with Key Absent Votes

The resolution was approved by a vote of thirteen supporting, with both China and Russia declining to cast votes. America's representative the US ambassador told the international body that it mapped “a different path in the Middle East for both sides and all the people of the territory alike”.

Negotiated Phrasing on Independence

Incorporation of references to an sovereign Palestinian state was the price the US paid for endorsement from the Muslim nations, who are expected to contribute security forces for the global force.

“The transitional arrangements that we start today must be executed in adhering to legal norms and respecting Palestinian rights,” the UK chargé d’affaires affirmed.

Netanyahu's Objection Remains

Nevertheless, on the brink of the UN vote, leader the Israeli leader restated his administration's firm resistance to the creation of a Palestinian state, raising questions on whether the Israeli government will accept the execution of the Council-backed plan.

Central Components of the Resolution

• Swift elimination of remaining curbs on assistance into the territory
• Establishment of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Steps toward rebuilding and a possible “avenue to Palestinian sovereignty and sovereignty”

Ambiguous Language and Conditions

The inclusion to Palestinian statehood was a compromise addition to an initial US draft which did not mention it. But the phrasing is vague and dependent, declaring only that once the Palestinian leadership has implemented reforms and the restoration of the territory is under way, “the situation may finally be in place for a feasible course to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty.”

Global Feedback

The wording fell far short of the strong guarantee to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine alongside Israel desired by Arab and Islamic states, as well as European council members, but in addresses to the chamber after the approval, envoys from those countries said they were willing to endorse the agreement in the service of continuing the ongoing cessation of hostilities and immediate measures to feed and protect the over two million Palestinian people in the territory.

“Our delegation has ultimately decided to endorse of this text, a measure that we support its primary aim, namely the preservation of the ceasefire and the creation of situations enabling the Palestinians to assert their basic entitlements to self-determination and statehood,” Amar Bendjama declared.

Execution Hurdles

The proposal gives general supervisory power to a “board of peace” headed by the US president, but of unspecified participants. This committee has to report to the international body but it is not required to follow the wishes of the global organization or by the PA.

Furthermore, it demands the establishment of a expert Palestinian panel that is supposed to run day-to-day governance of the Gaza Strip and the distribution of aid, but it is quite ambiguous who would take part.

Stabilisation Team Mission

The mandate of the ISF gives it authority to remove and dissolve militant organizations in the territory, but it is highly uncertain that possible sending countries would agree to attempt to engage such organizations. None of the states has to date pledged to dispatching troops.

Moreover the requirements for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the prerequisite towards steps to Palestinian statehood, have been unclear.

European officials said they deemed it necessary that the identities of the specialized group to provide utilities was determined as without delay.