The 'Peace Council' initiative launched by US President Donald Trump is facing critical challenges that threaten to undermine the limited progress it has made in the Gaza Strip. The war with Iran has slowed down the project, which was proposed as part of the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Hamas last October, aiming to promote stability and reconstruction.
Despite pledges from about 24 countries totaling over $16 billion, including a $10 billion US contribution, these funds remain locked in bank accounts. Sources reported that the Council completed procedures to open accounts with the World Bank and JPMorgan Chase, but actual transfers have not yet begun due to current political and military complexities.
The initiative has seen a significant decline in the momentum provided by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who were directly overseeing post-war arrangements. With the outbreak of direct confrontation with Tehran, the envoys' attention shifted to hot regional issues and the Ukrainian crisis, leaving the Gaza file at the bottom of diplomatic priorities.
In a related context, media sources quoted the Indonesian Foreign Minister confirming the suspension of talks related to the Council due to military escalation with Iran. Jakarta hinted at a complete withdrawal from this initiative if it continues to fail to provide tangible benefits to Palestinians on the ground, reflecting a growing state of international frustration.
On the ground, the regional war caused a major setback for relief efforts, as occupation authorities re-closed the Rafah land crossing, justifying it with security conditions resulting from the conflict with Iran. This closure led to a sharp decline in the entry of humanitarian aid, making the Council's goal of 'reconstruction' unattainable for now.
The Peace Council stipulates the disarmament of Hamas as an essential step to begin major construction operations, a task that has not seen any tangible progress so far. Observers believe that the absence of implementation mechanisms for this condition, coupled with US preoccupation with the Iranian front, reinforces the state of paralysis affecting the international Council.
For her part, researcher Zaha Hassan from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace indicated that the Council's failure to pressure Israel to fulfill its obligations raises major questions about its utility. She explained that time constraints represent additional pressure, as the mandate granted to the Council by the UN Security Council is set to expire by 2027.
Despite postponing their scheduled visit to Israel this week, President Trump affirmed his continued confidence in Witkoff and Kushner to lead these efforts. However, the reality on the ground indicates that the war that began on February 28 has changed the rules of the game, with navigation in the Strait of Hormuz remaining suspended for the tenth day and global oil prices fluctuating.
These developments coincide with reports confirming Mojtaba Khamenei's safety after recent attacks and the appointment of a new Supreme Leader in Iran, indicating deep internal shifts in Tehran. In contrast, Iran is listing US banks in the region as military targets, further complicating any international funding operations for reconstruction projects in Gaza.
Experts warn that continued marginalization of the Gaza file in favor of confrontation with Iran could lead to a renewed explosion of the situation within the Strip. With Iran launching more than 2,000 rockets and drones over the past ten days, the 'Peace Council' appears to have transformed from a reconstruction project into a new victim of comprehensive regional escalation.
The Council's inability to influence Israel to implement its commitments raises serious questions about its future, especially with the approaching end of its international mandate.
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Regional War Disrupts Gaza 'Peace Council': Frozen Funding and Declining US Priorities