Report: 5 Highlights from the First Peace Council Meeting Chaired by Trump

SadaNews - A report published by the American site The Hill highlighted the details of the inaugural meeting of the "Peace Council" launched by American President Donald Trump in Washington with representatives from around 50 countries in attendance.

According to the site's correspondent, Laura Kelly, the president prioritizes the reconstruction of Gaza but has made the council a broader platform to address other international conflicts. Here are the top five highlights from the event:

First: Huge American Financial Pledge

The report stated that Trump announced a $10 billion allocation for the Peace Council to finance the reconstruction of Gaza, considering this amount small compared to the scale of destruction.

The head of the National Committee for Gaza Management, Ali Shath, warned that the implementation of the plan is taking place under "extremely difficult conditions," amid widespread destruction, acute humanitarian needs, and a near-total economic collapse.

The White House also indicated receiving about $6.5 billion in pledges from other countries. The funds will be deposited into a special World Bank fund named "Gaza Reconstruction and Development Fund," with the council - chaired by Trump - managing the finances, according to The Hill.

Second: A Critical Moment for Gaza's Future

The meeting comes at a sensitive time, in the report’s view, as Hamas still controls parts of the enclave and "has not announced its full willingness to disarm."

The American side granted the movement a 60-day deadline to relinquish its arms, along with Israeli warnings of resuming war if this is not adhered to.

Trump told the crowd, "I believe Hamas will lay down its arms, and that’s what they promised. If they don’t, they will face a very severe response."

In contrast, the head of the National Committee for Gaza Management, Ali Shath, warned that the execution of the plan is taking place under "extremely difficult conditions," amid widespread destruction, acute humanitarian needs, and a near-total economic collapse, according to the report.

Third: Potential Competition with the United Nations

Despite Trump’s confirmation that the council operates in coordination with the United Nations, he hinted at the possibility that its role may surpass the international organization in the future, according to The Hill.

This has raised European reservations, with countries in the European Union refraining from joining due to ambiguity around the council's structure and powers, especially since Trump appointed himself as president for life and offered permanent membership to countries that pledge a billion dollars.

Despite Trump’s confirmation that the council operates in coordination with the United Nations, he hinted at the possibility that its role may surpass the international organization in the future.

Fourth: Escalation Towards Iran

Trump gave Iran days to conclude a "viable deal" in the ongoing negotiations between the two sides, or else it would face "bad things," while the Islamic Republic defended its right to enrich uranium again.

According to the site, Iran is expected to present a written proposal outlining how it intends to end the confrontation with the United States and address its concerns.

The demands of the Trump administration, according to the report, include preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, halting its ballistic missile program, and dismantling its allied armed groups in the region.

Fifth: Pressure on Reluctant Countries

Only 26 out of the invited countries signed the council's charter, while others held back. Trump hinted at indirect pressure on the cautious ones, affirming that "everyone will eventually join."

Conversely - the report continues - leaders such as Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif seized their opportunity to praise Trump, lauding his role in international issues, reflecting a global division between supporters who see the council as an effective tool and skeptics who fear the marginalization of the United Nations' role.

The report concluded that the meeting is the result of Trump’s attempt to outline a new framework for leading peace efforts according to his own vision, amid international tensions and questions about his ability to turn ambitions into tangible results.

Source: The Hill