The members of the United Nations Security Council sent a clear message before the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council: the fragile truce in Gaza must become permanent, and unilateral actions in the West Bank risk closing the door to a two-state solution, writes the website of the French radio station RFI.
Meeting in New York on Wednesday – a day earlier than planned to avoid overlapping with Trump's Peace Council meeting in Washington – UN diplomats took the opportunity to reaffirm the central role of the United Nations in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, even as the new US-led initiative seeks to reshape global mediation efforts.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Peacebuilding Rosemary DiCarlo described the moment as “crucial” – a rare opportunity for the region to change course after more than two years of war.
She warned, however, that the outcome depends on decisions to be made in the coming weeks.
That sense of urgency was echoed across the UN floor, with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warning that Gaza must not be left suspended “between peace and war”.
Several Council members also condemned recent moves by Israel to expand its control over the West Bank, with Pakistan calling the moves “null and void” under international law.
Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour described what he called “de facto gradual annexation” as an existential threat — not only to Palestinian statehood, but to broader peace efforts, including those being discussed in Washington.
Ambitions of the Peace Council
The statements reflect growing unease over what many see as a parallel diplomatic track emerging outside the UN system.
Trump's Peace Council—originally conceived as a small group to coordinate the reconstruction of Gaza—quickly expanded its ambitions, positioning itself as a broader platform for conflict resolution.
This development surprised diplomats.
Critics have warned that the initiative risks undermining existing multilateral structures, especially given that the US president retains tight control over the composition and decision-making process in the new body.
Nicusor Dan will give a speech during Trump's rally
Within the Security Council, the division was pronounced. While US Ambassador Mike Waltz praised the new body as one that “doesn't talk but acts”, many countries reaffirmed their support for the UN framework.
More than 80 countries this week endorsed a joint statement rejecting any form of annexation in the West Bank and calling for an immediate revocation of Israel's actions.
The message was clear – for much of the international community, the UN remains the main arena for legitimacy and coordination.
However, key challenges remain daunting, from disarming Hamas to deploying an international stabilization force and rebuilding territory left in ruins.
Trump said participants would pledge $5 billion and contribute thousands of people to a stabilization force, though details remain scant and experts warn the actual cost will be much higher.
Funding and governance structures are unclear
Although more than 20 countries signed up as members of the Peace Council, most leaders declined Trump's invitation.
The body is set up with UN approval, but the charter appears to give Trump permanent leadership and control.
Experts say the funding and governance structures are unclear.
Trump's Peace Council Surprise. What a leaked document reveals about a key plan of the body led by the US leader
From the EU, only Hungary and Bulgaria have agreed to be present with full membership status. Several other countries, including Romania and Italy, are attending the first meeting with observer status.
President Nicușor Dan suggested that the reason for his presence in Washington is mainly to strengthen the relationship with the Trump administration.
“There were certain doubts, mistrust after the canceled elections of 2024 on the part of the American administration. Against all this context, I think that the presence of Romania through its president helps to clarify diplomatically and to the citizens what is the true relationship between Romania and the USA”, said Nicușor Dan the other day, in an interview granted to Radio România Actualității.
