UN Council Approves the US Gaza Strip Peace Plan

The global body has approved proposals advanced by the US president for achieving a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, including the stationing of an international stabilisation force and a potential path to a independent Palestine.

Broad Backing with Notable Abstentions

This measure was passed by a count of thirteen supporting, with China and Russia abstaining. Washington's diplomat the American delegate informed the UN assembly that it charted “a different path in the region for Israelis and Palestinians and all the residents of the area alike”.

Negotiated Language on Palestinian Statehood

The inclusion of mentions to an self-governing Palestine was the price the America offered for support from the Muslim nations, who are expected to provide peacekeepers for the international stabilisation force (ISF).

“Provisional steps that we embark on today must be implemented in following global standards and upholding Palestinian rights,” the UK chargé d’affaires affirmed.

Israeli Opposition Remains

However, on the eve of the council decision, leader the Israeli leader restated his administration's adamant opposition to the formation of a sovereign Palestine, creating uncertainty on whether Tel Aviv will permit the implementation of the internationally endorsed measures.

Main Elements of the Measure

• Swift elimination of existing limitations on assistance into Gaza
• Formation of an international stabilisation force
• Steps toward reconstruction and a eventual “route to Palestinian independence and sovereignty”

Ambiguous Language and Conditions

The reference to Palestinian statehood was a negotiated inclusion to an original American proposal which omitted it. Yet the language is vague and dependent, promising only that once the Palestinian Authority has implemented reforms and the rebuilding of the territory is advancing, “the circumstances may ultimately be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian independence and statehood.”

International Reaction

The wording fell far short of the firm commitment to the creation of a sovereign Palestine alongside Israel desired by Arab and Islamic states, as well as European delegates, but in speeches to the assembly after the approval, envoys from those nations said they were prepared to accept the settlement in the benefit of continuing the present ceasefire and swift steps to feed and protect the over two million Palestinian people in Gaza.

“Our delegation has finally decided to support of this document, a text that we support its core objective, namely the preservation of the truce and the creation of circumstances enabling the Palestinian people to assert their immeasurable rights to self-determination and nationhood,” the Algerian envoy announced.

Execution Hurdles

The proposal gives general supervisory power to a “board of peace” led by the US president, but of unspecified participants. The board has to update the UN but it is not obligated by the desires of the global organization or by the Palestinian Authority.

Furthermore, it demands the formation of a expert Palestinian panel that is expected to manage daily administration of the Gaza and the distribution of aid, but it is highly uncertain who would take part.

Stabilisation Team Mission

The mandate of the ISF authorizes it to remove and dissolve armed groups in the strip, but it is far from clear that would-be troop contributors would consent to engage such organizations. Not a single nation has so far pledged to contributing forces.

Moreover the requirements for changes to the PA, the precondition towards steps to Palestinian statehood, have been unclear.

EU representatives said they viewed it as pressing that the members of the Palestinian technocratic committee to deliver services was settled as without delay.