United Nations Council Endorses the US Gaza Initiative

The Security Council has approved measures put forward by the US president for establishing a lasting peace in Gaza, encompassing the deployment of an global peacekeeping force and a potential path to a sovereign Palestinian state.

Broad Support with Notable Absent Votes

The resolution was approved by a count of thirteen in favor, with Russia and China abstaining. The US envoy Mike Waltz told the UN assembly that it charted “a new course in the region for the conflicting parties and all the residents of the region alike”.

Negotiated Phrasing on Sovereignty

The inclusion of mentions to an independent Palestine was the concession the United States offered for endorsement from the Arab states, who are expected to provide stabilisation troops for the global force.

“Provisional steps that we embark on today must be implemented in following legal norms and honoring Palestinian sovereignty,” Britain's representative stated.

Netanyahu's Objection Remains

However, on the verge of the resolution approval, PM Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his cabinet's firm resistance to the formation of a Palestinian state, creating uncertainty on whether Israel will accept the implementation of the internationally endorsed measures.

Central Components of the Resolution

• Immediate lifting of remaining curbs on relief supplies into the territory
• Establishment of an multinational peacekeeping unit
• Moves towards restoration and a possible “route to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty”

Ambiguous Language and Stipulations

The inclusion to independence was a compromise addition to an original American proposal which did not mention it. However the language is ambiguous and dependent, stating only that once the PA has reformed itself and the restoration of Gaza is advancing, “the circumstances may finally be in readiness for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty.”

International Reaction

The phrasing was insufficient of the firm commitment to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine next to Israel requested by Muslim nations, as well as European council members, but in statements to the council after the approval, delegates from those nations said they were willing to endorse the settlement in the benefit of prolonging the ongoing cessation of hostilities and immediate measures to assist and secure the over two million Palestinian residents in Gaza.

“Algeria has eventually decided to support of this text, a resolution that we support its main goal, namely the continuation of the ceasefire and the formation of circumstances allowing the Palestinians to claim their basic entitlements to sovereignty and statehood,” the Algerian envoy stated.

Implementation Challenges

The resolution grants overall oversight authority to a “stabilisation committee” led by Donald Trump, but of undefined composition. The group has to inform the UN but it is not obligated by the desires of the UN or by the Palestinian leadership.

It also calls for the creation of a specialized Palestinian group that is supposed to run daily administration of the Gaza Strip and the distribution of aid, but it is quite ambiguous who would be involved.

Peacekeeping Unit Authority

The mission of the ISF authorizes it to remove and dissolve fighting factions in Gaza, but it is highly uncertain that possible sending countries would be willing to engage such groups. None of the states has so far agreed to sending peacekeepers.

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

European diplomats said they deemed it necessary that the identities of the specialized group to provide utilities was determined as quickly as possible.