UN Resolution Passes, Charting Uncertain Path for Post-Conflict Gaza
A United Nations resolution aimed at establishing a framework for peace and reconstruction in Gaza passed recently, secured through compromise and a focus on immediate humanitarian needs. Delegates from various countries indicated a willingness to accept the resolution’s terms to extend the current truce and facilitate the delivery of aid to the 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza.
The resolution emphasizes adherence to international law and respect for Palestinian sovereignty and self-determination, as stated by UK chargé d’affaires James Kariuki. The Algerian envoy, Amar Bendjama, speaking on behalf of the Arab bloc, highlighted the resolution’s potential to lay the groundwork for a future Palestinian state, noting that some proposed amendments were incorporated into the final text.Algeria ultimately voted in favor, supporting the resolution’s core objectives of ceasefire maintenance and enabling Palestinian rights to self-determination and statehood. Bendjama stressed the importance of the resolution’s annexe, which explicitly prohibits annexation, occupation, and forced displacement.
The path to the vote was not without internal conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially appeared to acquiesce to the resolution’s wording following discussions with Washington, but subsequently reversed course due to pressure from the right wing of his coalition. He reaffirmed his opposition to a Palestinian state “on any territory.”
The resolution represents a rare instance of unified action by the UN regarding Gaza, following a two-year period of diplomatic deadlock marked by at least 71,000 Palestinian deaths and allegations of genocide leveled by a UN commission of inquiry and human rights organizations.
Though, the passage of the resolution came at a cost: the language employed is deliberately vague on several key issues, leaving critically important uncertainties. A central component is a “board of peace” chaired by Donald Trump, whose membership remains undefined. This board will report to the UN but is not obligated to follow its directives or those of the Palestinian Authority. The resolution also calls for a Palestinian technocratic committee to manage daily governance and service delivery in Gaza, but the composition of this committee is currently unclear.
The resolution authorizes an International Security Force (ISF) to disarm militant groups like Hamas, but securing troop contributions for this mission remains a challenge. No country has yet committed to deploying peacekeepers, and Hamas has already declared its refusal to disarm, potentially leading to conflict with the ISF.
furthermore, the criteria for reforming the Palestinian Authority – a prerequisite for progress towards Palestinian sovereignty – remain ill-defined. European diplomats have emphasized the urgent need to finalize the composition of the Palestinian technocratic committee.
Donald Trump hailed the vote as “a moment of true Historic proportion,” promising further announcements regarding the “Board” in the coming weeks.
