The Peace Council, established by U.S. President Donald Trump, is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting in Washington on Thursday to discuss the reconstruction of Gaza.
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Jordan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Walid Obaidat, previously stated that the formation of the Peace Council and the Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of Gaza—both temporary transitional bodies established under UN Security Council Resolution 2803—should lead to a permanent ceasefire, prevent displacement and annexation, ensure Israel’s full withdrawal from the Strip, support Gaza’s reconstruction, and advance a political horizon toward an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Ali Shaath, chair of the National Committee for Gaza Administration, said earlier that the Washington meeting on February 19 aims to confirm pledges necessary for funding relief, recovery, and reconstruction in Gaza. The committee has received commitments for the required financial support and has held meetings with the European Union, the United Nations, and Arab countries to discuss sector support.
Meanwhile, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin announced that the Vatican will not participate in the Peace Council initiative, emphasizing that crisis management should be handled by the United Nations.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed Rome’s readiness to participate as an observer. European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica, will also attend as an observer, stating that the EU will not become a council member but is committed to enforcing the Gaza ceasefire.
An Israeli official confirmed that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar will attend the first Peace Council meeting, following Israel’s membership approval during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington.
President Trump announced the creation of the “Peace Council” at the Davos Forum in Switzerland in January. His administration has requested that countries wishing for a permanent seat contribute at least $1 billion.
According to a draft charter, President Trump will serve as the Council’s first chair, personally deciding who is invited to membership. Decisions will be made by majority vote, with each member country having one vote, subject to the president’s approval.
Several world leaders have been invited to attend the Peace Council’s inaugural meeting. Two senior U.S. officials stated earlier that President Trump will unveil a multi-billion-dollar Gaza reconstruction plan and outline proposals regarding the UN-established Stabilization Force for the Palestinian territory during the Council’s first official session.
