U.S. President Donald Trump, during his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos, signed the founding charter of the Peace Council, a new international entity that aims to strengthen conflict resolution and reconstruction efforts in crisis areas, in a move that has sparked widespread political and diplomatic attention.
The signing took place during an official ceremony attended by delegations from about 19 countries from Asia, Eastern Europe, South America and the Middle East, while major Western countries such as Britain, France, Germany and Canada were absent from it, and this absence is seen as an indication of the divergent attitudes towards the new council and the nature of its role in the international system.
A new structure for the administration of Gaza. And a direct presidency from Trump
President Donald Trump heads the new council, which is supposed to oversee Gaza's reconstruction, manage the transition, and lead a Palestinian committee of technocrats that will manage the day-to-day affairs of the Strip.
The council's first executive body includes high-level political and diplomatic figures, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, envoy Steve Whitkoff, President Jared Kushner's son-in-law, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, among other economic and international figures.
The White House also announced the appointment of Dr. Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian official, as chairman of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, in addition to Maj. Gen. Sami Nisman in charge of security and police, Awaed Abu Ramadan in charge of trade and economy, Jubeir al-Daour in charge of education, Ayed Yaghi in charge of health, Abdul Karim Ashour in charge of agriculture, and Omar Shamali in charge of communications.
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ontroversial details in draft charter
Bloomberg revealed the council's charter, which includes unprecedented financial and political conditions, most notably:
- Requiring a financial contribution of at least one billion dollars for countries wishing to join.
- Limiting the term of membership to three years, renewable by a decision of the President of the United States.
- Granting the President the authority to approve the official seal of the Council and appointing a successor at any time.
- The possibility of the removal of any member unless two-thirds of the member states object.
- Holding annual and periodic voting meetings with the Executive Council.
The items have raised international concerns that the council will become a parallel entity to traditional international institutions, amid warnings that Washington is seeking to forge an alternative framework beyond the UN system.
Objections and criticisms from multiple parties
Egypt, the Israeli occupation entity and Azerbaijan announced their agreement to join the "Peace Council" initiative launched by US President Donald Trump, while Turkey confirmed that its Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will represent President Erdogan in the Council.
Sweden has refused to join in its current form, and Italy has reportedly not participated due to constitutional concerns.
An international stabilizing force. And wide powers
The UN resolution that approved the plan included the establishment of an international stabilization force to be responsible for:
- Securing the streets of Gaza
- Supervising the disarmament process
- Protection of civilians
- Humanitarian Aid Escort
- Training a new Palestinian police force
But several countries, including the UAE, have said they do not see a "clear framework" for participating in the force, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the next phase.
The Palestinian Committee begins its work, and Washington overrides Netanyahu's objections
The Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of Gaza held its first meeting in Cairo, in the presence of Jared Kushner, in a clear sign that the plan has already begun.
Axios also quoted a US official as saying that Washington did not consult Netanyahu in forming the committee because it "does not see him as having the right to interfere," adding that the US administration "will proceed with its plan until the end."
With this decision, Gaza enters an unprecedented political and administrative phase, and although Washington touts the plan as a path to reconstruction and stability, the widespread criticism and ambiguity surrounding the implementation mechanisms open the door to major questions about the future of Gaza and the role of the Palestinians themselves in shaping their own destiny.