In a recent discussion surrounding President Donald Trump's 'Peace Council', skepticism is notably rising among Palestinians. Ahed Farwana, the Secretary General of the Palestinian Journalist Union, questioned how the council could be considered a genuine peace initiative with the participation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he labels as an accused war criminal. The criticism stems from the recent arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of war crimes, including the use of starvation as a weapon and various crimes against humanity.

The presence of Netanyahu on the council raises significant concerns regarding its credibility, with critics arguing that his involvement undermines any genuine attempts at achieving a fair and sustainable peace process. Farwana pointed out that Netanyahu is directly responsible for the extensive human suffering and destruction in Gaza, which intensifies the skepticism towards the peace efforts being proposed. This skepticism reflects not only public sentiment but also a deep-rooted distrust in international mechanisms perceived as ineffective in addressing the realities on the ground.

The implications of this skepticism go far beyond mere doubts about the effectiveness of the peace council; they highlight the ongoing challenges in resolving decades-long conflicts where historical grievances and accountability issues remain unresolved. Farwana’s remarks underscore the Palestinian perspective that any peace dialogue must involve genuine accountability and recognition of the suffering endured by the Palestinian people, if there is to be any hope of lasting peace and security in the region.