This development represents the first tangible outcome of Trump's ambitious initiative launched last month on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, which aims to oversee the next phase of his plan for the Gaza Strip .
Council Structure and Funding
The "Peace Council" is a new international entity designed by former President Trump, described as a body "tasked with overseeing reconstruction and security in the Gaza Strip" . According to the official announcement, member states will allocate the funding, which exceeds $5 billion, in addition to providing "thousands of personnel for a Stability Force" mandated by the United Nations, to support local police forces in Gaza .
In his post on the "Truth Social" platform, Trump indicated that the meeting will be held at the "Donald J. Trump Institute for Peace" in Washington, where these pledges will be formally announced. The former President emphasized that "the Peace Council will prove to be the most impactful international body in history, and it is an honor to chair it" .
Who Are the Members?
The council brings together heads of state and high-level delegations from 27 founding nations, including representation at the presidential, prime ministerial, and foreign minister levels, in addition to observers from other countries . However, the list of members has sparked considerable interest, featuring a diverse coalition of nations.
According to media reports, the countries joining the council include: Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, Pakistan, Indonesia, Hungary, Kosovo, Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Belarus, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Argentina, and Paraguay .
Conversely, there is a notable absence of several key Western allies of the United States, as France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Slovenia, and Italy have reportedly declined to join the council, reflecting broad European reservations about the initiative .
Controversial Powers
The council's structure is generating widespread debate in diplomatic circles. According to the council's charter, Trump assumes the chairmanship indefinitely, with broad executive powers including veto authority over any decisions, and even the power to remove members . The charter also stipulates that permanent membership requires a financial contribution of $1 billion paid in cash within the first year of the council's establishment; otherwise, membership is limited to a renewable three-year term .
Reports suggest that the council, which began as an initiative to oversee the ceasefire and reconstruction in Gaza, has expanded its ambitions to become a permanent international body for resolving global conflicts, raising concerns among some nations that view it as "a competitor to the United Nations" .
Operational Mechanisms in Gaza
According to available information, the council is designed to oversee reconstruction and security in the sector. An "Executive Committee" is set to implement its strategic directives, while the "Gaza Executive Council" will directly support the transitional administration composed of Palestinian technocrats, responsible for organizing daily life in the devastated strip .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed his country's accession document to the council during a recent visit to Washington, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar set to represent Israel at the inaugural meeting .
Analysis: Is It "Trump's Private Club"?
Analysts suggest the council reflects Trump's vision of deal-based diplomacy centered on personal influence. Some observers note that the council "focuses on the wealthy and influential rather than multilateral cooperation" . Furthermore, the clause allowing the purchase of permanent membership for $1 billion raises questions about the institution's seriousness.
However, supporters view it as a practical mechanism for achieving stability in Gaza, especially given the urgent need for reconstruction following the extensive destruction in the sector. UN estimates indicate that over 81% of buildings in Gaza have been either damaged or completely destroyed, with reconstruction costs potentially reaching $70 billion .
The key question remains whether the upcoming meeting this Thursday in Washington will transform these pledges into concrete commitments on the ground, and how the international community will engage with this new institution that aspires to be "the most impactful international body in history."