The inaugural meeting of the U.S.-initiated Peace Council is scheduled for February 19, where significant international involvement and funding plans for Gaza are expected.
The first official meeting of the Peace Council, launched by President Donald Trump, is set to take place on February 19 in the United States. Several countries have confirmed their participation, while others have chosen not to attend, reflecting a mix of international sentiment regarding the initiative. This meeting is expected to include a donor conference aimed at rebuilding the Gaza Strip as part of the second phase of a ceasefire agreement.
U.S. officials have reported that delegations from at least 20 countries, including several heads of state, are anticipated to attend the gathering. During the meeting, Trump is expected to announce the deployment of thousands of troops from various nations to participate in an international stabilization force intended for Gaza, in addition to providing a briefing on this troops' logistics. Furthermore, the president is likely to unveil a multi-billion dollar funding plan dedicated to supporting Gaza's reconstruction process.
The announcement of the Peace Council last month was met with widespread skepticism, particularly from several Western nations that opted not to join due to concerns over its expansive powers and Trump’s exclusive veto rights over decisions. This skepticism raises questions about the long-term viability of the Peace Council and its mission, as well as the extent of international cooperation towards peace initiatives in the region, given the polarized response from potential participants.
