In an interview with Politico, UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged the noble intentions behind Donald Trump's Peace Council, specifically its focus on financing the reconstruction of Palestinian homes and infrastructure in Gaza. Guterres pointed out that these objectives align with those approved by the UN Security Council, highlighting his office's active collaboration with the Council's structures to achieve these goals. However, he expressed skepticism regarding the Council's broader ambitions as outlined by Trump, who claimed in September 2025 that the Peace Council could become the most significant international institution in history.

Guterres's doubts come in the wake of Trump's establishment of the Peace Council as a supposed alternative to what he described as "failed" international institutions. The Council's model stipulates that permanent membership requires a substantial financial contribution of $1 billion, which has deterred several key democracies, including the UK, Canada, France, and Germany, from joining. Moreover, major global powers such as Russia and China have also declined to participate, raising questions about the Council's representativeness and effectiveness on the world stage.

The discussions surrounding the Peace Council reveal the complexities of international engagement in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While Guterres supports efforts that align with established international frameworks, the lack of broader international support for Trump's initiative indicates a significant challenge ahead. The controversy surrounding the Council reflects wider tensions in global diplomacy and underscores the need for inclusive platforms that can facilitate constructive dialogue on peace and reconstruction in the region.