Initiative by the US president brings together almost 20 leaders in Washington and could challenge the UN’s role in conflict mediation
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, brings together his allies this Thursday (19) to inaugurate the “Peace Council”, his new institution focused on advances in the Gaza Strip, but whose ambitions go much further.
Almost 20 world leaders, including Argentine Javier Milei, will be in Washington for the launch of this institution that could compete with the United Nations.
The absence of European leaders, who traditionally adhere to United States initiatives, draws attention.
The was formed after the Trump administration, in collaboration with Qatar and Egypt, negotiated a ceasefire in October to end two years of the devastating war in Gaza.
Washington says the plan has now entered its second phase, focusing on the disarmament of Hamas, the Palestinian armed group whose October 7, 2023, attack on Israel triggered a full-scale offensive.
The Gaza Health Ministry, which operates under Hamas authority, reported that at least 601 people have been killed by Israeli forces since the start of the truce. In turn, Israel accuses the armed movement of having killed at least one soldier.
Investment promises
At this Thursday’s meeting, Trump is expected to detail investment promises of more than 5 billion dollars (R$ 26.1 billion, at current prices) for Gaza, a devastated territory whose American president suggested transforming into an area of tourist complexes.
The meeting will also analyze how to implement the International Stabilization Forcewhich will be in charge of ensuring security in Gaza.
One of the key actors will be Indonesia, which said it is ready to send up to 8,000 troops to the Palestinian territory if the creation of the force is confirmed.
What progress has been made in Gaza?
American officials, as well as Steve Witkoff, Trump’s friend and his chief negotiator for the Middle East, Iran and Ukraine, insist that concrete progress is being made and that the Hamas is being pressured to hand over its weapons.
Israel has imposed restrictions that it considers essential for its security. “The weapon that causes the most damage is called the AK-47,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently declared.
“It is the main weapon, and it has to disappear,” said Netanyahu, who will be represented by his foreign minister.
A technocratic committee, led by engineer and former official Ali Shaath, was formed last month to take charge of the day-to-day management of Gaza.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told AFP that the “Peace Council” should oblige Israel to “put an end to its violations [do cessar-fogo] in Gaza” and to lift its siege on the territory.
Ambitions
The meeting will take place at the United States Institute of Peace, renamed by Trump after him. According to the terms established by the White House, Trump will have veto power over the “Peace Council” and will be able to continue his leadership even after leaving office.
To obtain permanent member status, countries must pay 1 billion dollars (R$5.2 billion). American officials say that Thursday’s meeting is focused on Gaza, but admit that the institution could address other points of tension in the world.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the UN for years and has reduced American contributions, which are fundamental to the organization’s functioning.
Allies
Among the other leaders present are Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
Japan, usually among the United States’ main allies, has not yet decided whether it will join the council. The country will be represented by an envoy in charge of Gaza affairs.
*AFP
US President Donald Trump (C), flanked by US Vice President JD Vance (L) and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R), join leaders for a group photo during the inaugural meeting of the “Peace Council” at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, on February 19, 2026.
