The War with Iran Complicates Washington's Plan for the 'Peace Council' in Gaza

SadaNews - The war on Iran has slowed the limited progress made by U.S. President Donald Trump's initiative known as the "Peace Council," which was proposed as part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by Washington between Israel and Hamas last October, aimed at "reconstructing Gaza and enhancing stability in conflict-affected areas."

In February, around 24 countries pledged more than $16 billion for the council, including $10 billion from the United States.

According to a report published by Politico, the council established its accounts with the World Bank and JPMorgan Chase, and the U.S. administration began working with the donor countries to provide them with the necessary banking transfer information, indicating that the financial pledges have not yet converted into actual funding.

The report notes that the initiative had gained initial momentum with direct follow-up from U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who were engaged in issues related to the ceasefire and post-war arrangements in Gaza.

However, this activity began to decline with the outbreak of the war on Iran, particularly as Witkoff and Kushner became preoccupied with other regional issues, such as the confrontation with Tehran and the war in Ukraine.

Politico also quoted the Indonesian foreign minister saying to Reuters that discussions concerning the council have halted due to the war on Iran, while his country's president threatened to withdraw if the council fails to benefit the Palestinians.

The report indicates that the council's primary goal of "reconstructing Gaza" remains elusive.

Israel has also closed the Rafah crossing due to the war with Iran, leading to a decrease in aid entering the sector, which the report considered a setback for one of the practical steps associated with the ceasefire path.

Meanwhile, the council has made the disarmament of Hamas a prerequisite for starting reconstruction, but no concrete steps in this direction have been announced yet, according to the report.

The site quoted Zaha Hassan, a researcher at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, stating that the council's failure to influence Israel to fulfill its commitments raises questions about its future, especially since its mandate from the Security Council expires in 2027.

Politico adds that the U.S. administration's focus on the war with Iran has led to a decline in the Gaza file on its priority list.

Nevertheless, the site quoted Trump as stating that he still relies on his envoys Witkoff and Kushner, asserting that they are "leading important efforts," although their planned visit to Israel this week has been postponed.

Observers warn, according to the report, that the project's failure to achieve its primary objective could have significant repercussions, amidst growing concerns that regional tensions could lead to a new Israeli escalation in the sector.