🔗 Share this article UN Council Approves the US Gaza Initiative A global body has voted to endorse measures presented by the US president for securing a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, including the deployment of an international stabilisation force and a potential path to a independent Palestine. Widespread Backing with Notable Abstentions The resolution was passed by a tally of 13-0, with Russia and China declining to cast votes. Washington's diplomat Mike Waltz told the UN assembly that it charted “a new course in the Middle East for both sides and all the inhabitants of the region alike”. Compromise Wording on Independence Addition of references to an self-governing Palestine was the concession the America offered for endorsement from the Muslim nations, who are likely to provide peacekeepers for the multinational unit. “Interim measures that we start today must be implemented in accordance with global standards and respecting Palestinian self-determination,” Britain's representative declared. Government Objection Persists Nevertheless, on the verge of the resolution approval, leader Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his cabinet's firm resistance to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine, raising questions on whether the Israeli government will accept the enactment of the Council-backed plan. Key Provisions of the Proposal Immediate lifting of existing limitations on humanitarian aid into the territory Formation of an multinational peacekeeping unit Progress on rebuilding and a eventual “route to Palestinian independence and nationhood” Unclear Phrasing and Conditions The mention to Palestinian statehood was a compromise addition to an initial US draft which excluded it. Yet the phrasing is unclear and conditional, promising only that once the Palestinian Authority has undergone changes and the rebuilding of the strip is progressing, “the conditions may finally be in readiness for a credible pathway to Palestinian independence and nationhood.” Worldwide Feedback The wording fell far short of the firm commitment to the creation of a sovereign Palestine next to Israel requested by Muslim nations, as well as European delegates, but in statements to the council after the decision, representatives from those states said they were prepared to accept the settlement in the benefit of extending the present ceasefire and prompt actions to provide for and safeguard the over two million Palestinian residents in the territory. “Our delegation has finally decided to endorse of this text, a resolution that we back its primary aim, namely the continuation of the cessation of hostilities and the formation of conditions allowing the Palestinian people to claim their immeasurable rights to independence and nationhood,” Amar Bendjama announced. Execution Hurdles The proposal gives overall oversight authority to a “board of peace” headed by the US president, but of undefined composition. The group has to report to the UN but it is not obligated by the desires of the UN or by the PA. It also calls for the creation of a specialized Palestinian group that is supposed to run daily administration of the Gaza and the provision of utilities, but it is quite ambiguous who would participate. Security Force Mandate The mission of the global force gives it authority to neutralize and disband fighting factions in the territory, but it is highly uncertain that possible sending countries would agree to attempt to confront such factions. None of the states has so far pledged to sending peacekeepers. Moreover the standards for changes to the PA, the precondition towards steps to Palestinian statehood, have been hazy. European diplomats said they viewed it as pressing that the members of the Palestinian technocratic committee to provide utilities was settled as quickly as possible.
A global body has voted to endorse measures presented by the US president for securing a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, including the deployment of an international stabilisation force and a potential path to a independent Palestine. Widespread Backing with Notable Abstentions The resolution was passed by a tally of 13-0, with Russia and China declining to cast votes. Washington's diplomat Mike Waltz told the UN assembly that it charted “a new course in the Middle East for both sides and all the inhabitants of the region alike”. Compromise Wording on Independence Addition of references to an self-governing Palestine was the concession the America offered for endorsement from the Muslim nations, who are likely to provide peacekeepers for the multinational unit. “Interim measures that we start today must be implemented in accordance with global standards and respecting Palestinian self-determination,” Britain's representative declared. Government Objection Persists Nevertheless, on the verge of the resolution approval, leader Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his cabinet's firm resistance to the establishment of a sovereign Palestine, raising questions on whether the Israeli government will accept the enactment of the Council-backed plan. Key Provisions of the Proposal Immediate lifting of existing limitations on humanitarian aid into the territory Formation of an multinational peacekeeping unit Progress on rebuilding and a eventual “route to Palestinian independence and nationhood” Unclear Phrasing and Conditions The mention to Palestinian statehood was a compromise addition to an initial US draft which excluded it. Yet the phrasing is unclear and conditional, promising only that once the Palestinian Authority has undergone changes and the rebuilding of the strip is progressing, “the conditions may finally be in readiness for a credible pathway to Palestinian independence and nationhood.” Worldwide Feedback The wording fell far short of the firm commitment to the creation of a sovereign Palestine next to Israel requested by Muslim nations, as well as European delegates, but in statements to the council after the decision, representatives from those states said they were prepared to accept the settlement in the benefit of extending the present ceasefire and prompt actions to provide for and safeguard the over two million Palestinian residents in the territory. “Our delegation has finally decided to endorse of this text, a resolution that we back its primary aim, namely the continuation of the cessation of hostilities and the formation of conditions allowing the Palestinian people to claim their immeasurable rights to independence and nationhood,” Amar Bendjama announced. Execution Hurdles The proposal gives overall oversight authority to a “board of peace” headed by the US president, but of undefined composition. The group has to report to the UN but it is not obligated by the desires of the UN or by the PA. It also calls for the creation of a specialized Palestinian group that is supposed to run daily administration of the Gaza and the provision of utilities, but it is quite ambiguous who would participate. Security Force Mandate The mission of the global force gives it authority to neutralize and disband fighting factions in the territory, but it is highly uncertain that possible sending countries would agree to attempt to confront such factions. None of the states has so far pledged to sending peacekeepers. Moreover the standards for changes to the PA, the precondition towards steps to Palestinian statehood, have been hazy. European diplomats said they viewed it as pressing that the members of the Palestinian technocratic committee to provide utilities was settled as quickly as possible.