The first meeting of the Peace Council, a new international institution established by Donald Trump, was held in Washington. The initiative, aimed at overseeing the second phase of the peace plan for the Gaza Strip, attracted representatives from over 45 countries. Despite pledges of $5 billion for reconstruction, key allies from Western Europe are keeping their distance, expressing skepticism about the organization's structure and its potential rivalry with the UN.

Billions for Gaza Reconstruction

Member states have pledged over $5 billion for a stabilization fund, intended to be the foundation of the new administration of the territory under the oversight of the Peace Council.

Military Base Plans

The Trump administration plans to build a 350-acre base in the Gaza Strip for 5,000 members of international forces personnel.

Boycott by Western Allies

The United Kingdom, France, and Germany rejected invitations for full membership, sending only observers out of concern for weakening the role of the UN.

Financial Sector Involvement

Bank JPMorgan is conducting negotiations regarding payment processing for the Peace Council, aimed at streamlining the flow of humanitarian funds.

The inaugural session of the Peace Council (Board of Peace) was launched at the newly renamed Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington. This body, established during the World Economic Forum in Davos, is intended to become the primary tool of the U.S. administration in the process of stabilizing and reconstructing the Gaza Strip. President Donald Trump announced that member states have already pledged funds exceeding $5 billion for humanitarian aid and construction work. Delegations from 47 countries are participating in the meeting, including leaders with authoritarian profiles such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Notably absent are high-level representatives from the United Kingdom, France, or Germany, who sent only lower-level officials as observers. Institutional aid for Palestinian territories after armed conflicts has been the domain of UN agencies for decades, such as UNRWA, established in 1949 to support Palestinian refugees.Serious controversy surrounds plans to build a 350-acre military base capable of accommodating 5,000 personnel, which is to serve as an operational center for international forces in Gaza. Documents obtained by the media indicate ambitions to create a mechanism alternative to the UN, causing diplomatic concern in Europe. Financial institutions, including JPMorgan, are in talks regarding banking services for the Peace Council's funds, adding a commercial dimension to the initiative. The Vatican officially expressed reservations and declined to participate, which the White House described as "very disappointing." The future of the project remains uncertain due to unresolved issues regarding the disarmament of Hamas militants and ongoing violations of the ceasefire. Critics point out that the Peace Council could become a political tool serving to marginalize traditional alliances in favor of ad-hoc financial coalitions. Switzerland and the European Union have opted for observer status, emphasizing their desire to support the reconstruction itself while distancing themselves from the political structure of the new body. $5 billion — represent the initial pledges for the Gaza reconstruction fundKey Stages in the Establishment of the Peace Council: January 20, 2026 — Signing of the Charter in Davos; February 18, 2026 — Financial Pledges; February 19, 2026 — Inaugural Summit

Mentioned People

  • Donald Trump — President of the United States, founder and chairman of the Peace Council.
  • Viktor Orban — Prime Minister of Hungary, one of Trump's key allies present at the summit.
  • Ralf Heckner — Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States, participating as an observer.