United Nations Security Council Approves the US Gaza Initiative

The global body has voted to endorse a plan presented by the US president for achieving a lasting peace in Gaza, encompassing the introduction of an international stabilisation force and a eventual path to a independent Palestine.

Broad Backing with Key Abstentions

This measure was adopted by a vote of thirteen supporting, with Russia and China abstaining. The US envoy the American delegate addressed the international body that it charted “a different path in the Middle East for both sides and all the people of the territory alike”.

Negotiated Wording on Palestinian Statehood

Addition of references to an independent Palestine was the concession the US paid for endorsement from the Arab and Islamic world, who are expected to provide stabilisation troops for the international stabilisation force (ISF).

“The transitional arrangements that we embark on today must be executed in following global standards and respecting Palestinian self-determination,” Britain's representative declared.

Israeli Resistance Continues

Nonetheless, on the eve of the resolution approval, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu restated his cabinet's firm resistance to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine, raising questions on whether the Israeli government will accept the implementation of the UN-mandated proposals.

Central Components of the Resolution

• Prompt removal of ongoing restrictions on assistance into the strip
• Creation of an global security force
• Progress on restoration and a eventual “avenue to Palestinian independence and nationhood”

Vague Language and Requirements

The inclusion to independence was a balanced insertion to an initial US draft which omitted it. Yet the wording is vague and contingent, declaring only that once the PA has implemented reforms and the reconstruction of the strip is advancing, “the circumstances may ultimately be in place for a realistic route to Palestinian independence and sovereignty.”

Worldwide Reaction

The wording was insufficient of the definite pledge to the creation of a independent Palestinian entity next to Israel sought by Muslim nations, as well as European delegates, but in speeches to the council after the approval, representatives from those states said they were prepared to accept the compromise in the interests of prolonging the present ceasefire and swift steps to assist and secure the millions of Palestinian residents in Gaza.

“Our delegation has finally decided to vote in favour of this text, a resolution that we approve its primary aim, namely the continuation of the cessation of hostilities and the creation of situations permitting the Palestinian people to exercise their fundamental rights to sovereignty and sovereignty,” Amar Bendjama declared.

Practical Difficulties

The proposal gives overall oversight authority to a “stabilisation committee” headed by the US president, but of unspecified participants. 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.

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

Security Force Authority

The authority of the international stabilisation force empowers it to remove and dissolve fighting factions in the territory, but it is highly uncertain that potential participating nations would agree to attempt to face such factions. Not a single nation has so far agreed to sending peacekeepers.

Moreover the requirements for reform of the Palestinian Authority, the requirement towards progress on independence, have been hazy.

EU representatives said they viewed it as pressing that the members of the specialized group to deliver services was agreed as quickly as possible.