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Washington D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump convened the inaugural meeting of his newly formed “Peace Council” on February 19th, aiming to address global conflicts, initially focusing on the aftermath of the Gaza conflict but expanding its scope to encompass broader international disputes. The initiative, launched at the Donald J. Trump Peace Institute in Washington, has drawn a diverse, though controversial, group of participants, while notably excluding many of Washington’s traditional Western allies.
The council’s first session brought together representatives from over 20 nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, with a total of more than 40 countries participating including observers. This move signals a potential shift in U.S. Foreign policy, prioritizing engagement with nations often at odds with traditional American partners. The formation of the council, initially conceived to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza, has evolved into a broader ambition to mediate conflicts worldwide, a move that has sparked both interest and skepticism within the international community.
Council Membership and Notable Absences
While the Peace Council boasts participation from a significant number of countries, its composition is marked by the conspicuous absence of many key Western allies. According to reports, nearly all of Trump’s traditional Western allies declined to join the council. The European Union and several individual European nations have opted for observer status, with Mediterranean Affairs Commissioner Dubravka Šuica representing the EU at the Washington meeting. Italy, Romania, Greece, and Cyprus have accepted invitations to participate as observers. Russia was invited, but has not yet formally accepted, while Trump indicated both Russia and China have expressed interest in the initiative. Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva rejected the invitation, criticizing the council as a “new UN belonging only to him,” and emphasizing the need for Palestinian representation, which is currently absent. Canada also did not attend the meeting.
Turkey was represented by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who affirmed Turkey’s readiness to contribute personnel to the International Stability Force, a security component of the initiative intended to maintain order in Gaza. “We are ready to send troops to the International Stability Force,” Fidan stated, as reported by sources covering the event. Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, has indicated its willingness to deploy up to 8,000 troops if the force is authorized.
Financial Commitments and Focus on Gaza
During the opening session, Trump announced a $10 billion contribution from the United States to the Peace Council, with an expectation that other nations will contribute an additional $7 billion towards the reconstruction of Gaza. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that the council will determine how these funds are allocated, with all members having voting rights on funding decisions. Trump emphasized his commitment to ensuring “proper governance” in Gaza, stating, “Gazze artık radikalizm ve terör yuvası değil” – “Gaza is no longer a den of radicalism and terrorism,” – while also acknowledging the need for Hamas to fully disarm. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Kasım responded to the council’s formation by stating, via AFP, that it must pressure Israel to end its “violations” in Gaza and lift the long-standing blockade.
Trump also warned that if negotiations with Iran fail, Washington may be compelled to “take a step further,” suggesting potential escalation in tensions. He indicated that developments regarding Iran would likely become clear within the next 10 days.
International Reactions and Future Steps
The establishment of the Trump Peace Council has elicited varied responses from the international community. The Vatican, while maintaining its preference for resolving international crises through the United Nations, expressed concerns about the new council. The initiative’s focus on Gaza, coupled with its broader ambition to address global conflicts, positions it as a potentially significant, albeit unconventional, player in international diplomacy. The council’s next steps will likely involve establishing clear operational guidelines, securing further financial commitments, and initiating dialogue with key stakeholders in ongoing conflicts.
The success of the Peace Council will depend on its ability to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, secure broad international support, and deliver tangible results in conflict resolution. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this new initiative can live up to Trump’s claim that it will become “the most important international organization in history.”
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