The Belarusian Foreign Ministry reported that their delegates were unable to obtain visas to attend the Peace Council meeting, despite having submitted all necessary documents on time. This meeting was significant as it marks the first session of a council established by Donald Trump, initially envisioned as a UN-approved mechanism responsible for the implementation of a peace plan for Gaza, which has now been presented with a broader mandate. The absence of Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhkov, invited to represent the country, raised questions about the sincerity of the Peace Council's intentions.

In their social media response, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry criticized the apparent disregard for basic formalities, questioning how peace could be discussed when one of the involved parties is not allowed to participate. This reflects heightened tensions between Belarus and Western countries, particularly concerning the political climate in Belarus and its relations with the United States following Trump's administration's policy shifts.

The meeting is notable not only for its U.S. sponsorship but also for the ambitious $10 billion allocation aimed at Gaza's reconstruction following the extensive damage from the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. Trump's administration had previously indicated significant cuts to foreign aid, making this promise particularly impactful, although the execution and reception of this initiative will involve navigating complex international and regional politics.