Palestine working to secure Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, establish UN-backed stabilization force: President Abbas – Anadolu Ajansı

Report on Palestinian Authority’s Post-Conflict Strategy for Gaza and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Diplomatic Engagement and Commitment to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

• During a visit to France, President Mahmoud Abbas reaffirmed the Palestine National Authority’s commitment to a two-state solution, a foundational element for achieving SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
• The objective is for the states of Palestine and Israel to coexist in peace, security, and good neighborly relations, directly addressing the core targets of SDG 16.
• President Abbas highlighted the importance of international cooperation, thanking French President Emmanuel Macron for his leadership, which underscores the principles of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Framework for Security and Institutional Strengthening (SDG 16)

A multi-faceted plan is being developed with international partners to establish stability and build effective institutions in the Gaza Strip, in line with SDG 16.

1. Establishment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF): In coordination with the UN Security Council, an ISF will be formed to support security transitions.
2. Withdrawal of Israeli Troops: The ISF will facilitate the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
3. Deployment of Palestinian Security Forces: Legitimate Palestinian security forces, having undergone training in Egypt and Jordan, are prepared for a gradual deployment to maintain peace and order.
4. Demilitarization and Sovereignty: The ultimate goal is to transform Gaza into a zone of peace under full Palestinian sovereignty, free from unauthorized weapons and armed groups, thereby significantly reducing violence as targeted by SDG 16.1.

Governance, Unification, and Partnership (SDG 16 & SDG 17)

• Discussions are underway with Egypt to establish a temporary technical administration to govern Gaza following a ceasefire.
• The long-term strategy involves unifying the West Bank and Gaza under “one state, one government,” a critical step toward building the effective and accountable institutions central to SDG 16.
• The disarmament of Hamas is planned to be achieved through a Palestinian internal agreement supported by international mediation, with the explicit condition that the group will not participate in Gaza’s future administration.

Socio-Economic Reforms Targeting Key SDGs

The Palestine National Authority has initiated significant reforms aimed at advancing social and educational development goals.

• SDG 1 (No Poverty) & SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): A new social assistance system is being implemented, utilizing socio-economic criteria to provide targeted support and reduce inequality.
• SDG 4 (Quality Education): In partnership with the European Union and UNESCO, a comprehensive reform of the education curriculum has been launched to enhance the quality and inclusivity of education.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
4. SDG 1: No Poverty

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The article discusses plans to establish an “International Stabilization Force,” deploy “legitimate Palestinian security forces,” and turn Gaza into “a zone of peace and security,” all of which are direct efforts to reduce violence.
• Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The plan to set up a “temporary technical administration to govern Gaza” and later unify the West Bank and Gaza under “one state, one government” aims to build effective governing institutions.
• Target 16.a: Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels… to prevent violence. The article explicitly mentions that Palestinian security forces “have undergone training programs in Egypt and Jordan in coordination with international partners,” which directly reflects this target of strengthening national security institutions through international cooperation.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships. The entire plan outlined by President Abbas relies on partnerships. The article mentions working with “international partners,” an “International Stabilization Force,” the “UN Security Council,” “Egypt,” “Jordan,” the “EU,” and “UNESCO,” showcasing a multi-stakeholder approach to achieving peace and development.

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including… promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence. The article mentions a “comprehensive education curriculum reform launched in cooperation with the EU and UNESCO.” This reform is a direct action toward improving the quality and content of education, which is fundamental to promoting a culture of peace.

SDG 1: No Poverty

• Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all… and achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable. The article highlights reform measures that include a “new social assistance system based on socio-economic criteria,” which is a direct implementation of a social protection system aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators for SDG 16

• Deployment of security forces: The article implies that the number and readiness of deployed “legitimate Palestinian security forces” can serve as an indicator of progress in building institutional capacity (Target 16.a).
• Establishment of governance structures: The successful setup of the “temporary technical administration” and its eventual unification with the West Bank government would be a clear indicator of developing effective institutions (Target 16.6).
• Reduction of unauthorized weapons: The goal of making Gaza “free of armed groups and unauthorized weapons” implies that a reduction in such weapons would be a key indicator of reducing violence (Target 16.1).

Indicators for SDG 17

• Formation of the International Stabilization Force (ISF): The establishment and operational status of the ISF, as discussed with the UN Security Council, would be a direct indicator of a functioning international partnership for peace (Target 17.16).
• Active cooperation agreements: The ongoing cooperation with the EU and UNESCO on education reform and with Egypt and Jordan on security training are tangible indicators of active partnerships (Target 17.16).

Indicators for SDG 4

• Implementation of curriculum reform: The launch and implementation of the “comprehensive education curriculum reform” is a direct indicator of progress towards Target 4.7.

Indicators for SDG 1

• Establishment of the social assistance system: The creation and operationalization of the “new social assistance system” is a measurable indicator of implementing social protection systems (Target 1.3).

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: aa.com.tr