Today marks the first meeting of the peace council instituted and led by President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. Initially, the council was designed to specifically address the crisis in the Palestinian territories of Gaza. However, Trump has hinted at a desire for the council to expand its focus to include broader issues within the region and possibly beyond, indicating a significant shift in its operational scope.

The council has garnered the participation of representatives from at least 27 countries, showcasing a diverse array of nations choosing to engage in its deliberations. Noteworthy European participants include Bulgaria, Hungary, Albania, and Kosovo, though major EU entities like the European Commission and representatives from Italy are set to attend in a monitoring capacity. This diverse array of countries indicates a complicated geopolitical landscape, where collaboration and dissent coexist in diplomatic engagements regarding the Middle East.

Conversely, noteworthy absences from the meeting include significant powers like China and Russia, which signals diplomatic divisions in how countries view the council's role and legitimacy. Their non-participation could lead to broader implications for the council’s effectiveness and perception, highlighting the challenges Trump may face as he attempts to navigate international relations through this new initiative.