First Meeting of Trump's 'Peace Council' Reported to Take Place in Washington on the 19th
The inaugural meeting of Trump's proposed 'Peace Council' is set to occur in Washington, aiming to address the provisional governance of Gaza amid ongoing conflict.
AP reports that the first meeting of Trump's intended 'Peace Council', aimed at establishing provisional governance in Gaza, is scheduled to take place on the 19th in Washington. The council was formed following a signing ceremony held on January 22 in Davos, Switzerland. The initial assembly is expected to see attendance from global leaders invited by Trump, as well as members from the committee responsible for managing the provisional governance and reconstruction in Gaza.
While some Middle Eastern and pro-U.S. allied countries participated in the signing ceremony, key players like the G7 nations opted out. There are growing concerns that the council's role may extend beyond the framework designated by the UN Security Council resolutions for Gaza's governance, potentially positioning it as an alternative to the Security Council in global conflict resolution efforts. This development raises questions about the effectiveness and legitimacy of existing international mechanisms for peace.
The Israel-Palestine conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack into Israeli territory, prompting a retaliatory assault from the Israeli military on Gaza, resulting in over 67,000 casualties. Both sides reached an agreement on a ceasefire, which was proposed by President Trump, highlighting the urgent need for resolution amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis. This meeting marks a significant step as the international community closely watches the evolving dynamics in the region and the involvement of the U.S. under Trump's leadership.