UN Gaza plan sparks fears of a new foreign ‘mandate’ over Palestinians

 

The UN Security Council’s new resolution on Gaza has triggered accusations of a fresh “colonial mandate” imposed on Palestinians, after member states approved an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) empowered to use “all necessary measures” to carry out its mission. The plan places Gaza under an internationally run transitional administration directed through a Trump-backed 20-point framework, reviving bitter memories of foreign stewardship over Palestinian lands.

 

Analysts say the language of the resolution echoes the era of the British Mandate. Historian Avi Shlaim told Middle East Eye the move “totally disregards the rights and aspirations of the indigenous people,” while author Helena Cobban noted that “mandate” carries the heavy baggage of post-Ottoman colonialism — the idea that local populations are “not ready” for self-rule.

 

Resolution 2803 passed 13-0 with Russia and China abstaining, and gained notable backing from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, the UAE and Indonesia. The Palestinian Authority also endorsed it, giving political cover for states otherwise reluctant to back a foreign-led plan. Despite a vague nod to Palestinian “self-determination and statehood,” critics argue the resolution conditions basic rights on strict compliance with externally imposed terms.

 

Hamas rejected the resolution outright, refusing any disarmament requirement and warning it fails to protect Palestinian rights. Analysts say the prospect of multinational troops entering Gaza to dismantle Hamas infrastructure is remote. Shlaim questioned whether any Arab military would “do Israel’s dirty work,” especially after Israel itself failed to dismantle Hamas despite years of bombardment.

 

The ISF faces an impossible dilemma: Hamas hints it might integrate into a future Palestinian state’s military, but no regional power wants to be drawn into a confrontation. Cobban warned that the resolution legitimises a US- and Israel-aligned framework and leaves the UN’s credibility in tatters. “The organisation is now at a crisis point,” she said, “and may take a long time to recover — if it ever does.”

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Analysts say the Gaza resolution revives the logic of a colonial mandate.

• Hamas rejects disarmament; Arab states unlikely to send troops.

• Critics warn the UN has undermined its own legitimacy by backing a Trump-aligned plan.

 

SOURCE: MIDDLE EAST EYE

 

 

 

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

while author Helena Cobban noted that “mandate” carries the heavy baggage of post-Ottoman colonialism — the idea that local populations are “not ready” for self-rule.

 

They aren't. Most obvious thing on earth.