NEW YORK: The UN Security Council has approved a resolution in favor of a plan for Gaza by U.S. President Donald Trump. The resolution was supported by 14 out of 15 members of the council. There were no negative votes. The fact that both Russia and China decided not to vote is quite remarkable.
In his address to the Security Council, the U.S. Ambassador munificently thanked the countries that supported the resolution and even referred to them by name: Pakistan, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, and Indonesia.
“We acted together, recognized the gravity of the situation and made the necessary moves, “said the U.S. Ambassador. “This board decision is very important for the security of Gaza. A day like today constitutes a monumental and positive move forward.”
The resolution installs an international command for the security of Gaza and a provisional government for the region among other things.
In the meantime, Hamas as well as other Palestinian radical groups have condemned the resolution vehemently and asserted that it disregards Palestinian demands and rights. According to Hamas, the plan forces international control over Gaza and at the same time would not allow the area to be impartial.
“In the view of Hamas, aid management in Gaza should be left to Palestinian institutions with the UN overseeing them, “the group said in a statement.” This resolution does not solve the problems of Palestinian sovereignty and self-determination.”
The adoption of the resolution accentuates the sharp disagreements among various nations regarding the way forward for Gaza and the entire Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
