To participate in the "Peace Council," one must pay the amount of one billion dollars.
A rehearsal for what US President Donald Trump is planning for the world will take place in the Gaza Strip. While exchanges of fire continue between the Israeli army and Hamas militants with further loss of life, Trump rushed to announce what he presented as yet another personal triumph. This involves the creation of a new international body called the Board of Peace – "Peace Council," which, according to him, marks the second phase of the ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave.
The new body aspires to take control of the administration and reconstruction of Gaza, attracting investment and the overall management of the post-war period. As expected, he appointed himself as the head of the Council. Other members include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff, World Bank President Ajay Banga, as well as leaders Mark Carney of Canada, Javier Milei of Argentina, Santiago Peña of Paraguay, and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt.
The composition of the Council is eclectic; however, many participants possess what Trump values most: capital, political connections, influence, and the ability to "close deals quickly." After all, the American president has never hidden that he views international politics through the prism of business opportunities. In the past, he spoke openly about an ambitious business plan in Gaza, the creation of a luxury tourist complex he called the "Middle East Riviera." Although these references have faded, analysts believe that if the situation in Gaza stabilizes even temporarily, Trump will return to ideas promising enormous financial benefits. For his critics, appeals for humanitarianism and words for war victims are seen more as political packaging.
"Peace" at the price of one billion
Trump aspires to gather political "stars" from across the planet. However, there is a crucial detail: to participate in the "Peace Council," one must pay the sum of one billion dollars. This fact makes it certain that some invited guests will reject the "generous" proposal. Among the candidate members is Jared Kushner, a businessman and Trump's son-in-law, who holds no official office but wields significant informal influence.
An invitation was also sent to former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, a highly controversial political figure known for his absolute support of George W. Bush during the Iraq War – a fact that earned him the nickname "poodle." It seems old habits are not forgotten, and Blair is ready to serve an American president once again. Trump did not fail to invite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a move that caused intense dissatisfaction in Israel. For years, Benjamin Netanyahu considered himself Washington's closest ally in the region. Now, it seems, he is just "one of the friends." The invitation of representatives from Turkey and Qatar to the Council reinforces this feeling, despite the deep opposition of these countries toward Israel.
Israeli rage and American indifference
Netanyahu openly expressed his displeasure, stating that the composition of the Council "was not agreed upon with Israel and contradicts its policy." However, Washington's reaction was cold. A senior US official told Axios: "This is our show, not his. If he wants us to solve the Gaza issue, it will be on our terms." This stance has caused internal turmoil in Israel. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the 2005 Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza a "sin" and stated that Israel cannot wait "another 20 years" to gain control of the area. He also expressed his rage over the participation of Turkey and Qatar, which he accused of supporting Hamas.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid was even sharper, stating that either Netanyahu secretly agreed with Trump or "Trump simply doesn't take him seriously," noting that the American president knows Israel is in an election period and that Netanyahu fears defeat.
New UN or personal venture?
Trump presented the "Peace Council" with his customary enthusiasm. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote: "I can say with certainty that this is the largest and most prestigious council ever assembled." Political analysts estimate that Trump is attempting to create a new international organization that will replace, at least in part, the UN, which he has repeatedly accused of inefficiency and incompetence.
However, it remains unclear how such a body can function with leaders so diverse – and often conflicting – among themselves. A particular surprise is the fact that the President of Russia and the head of the Ukrainian leadership were invited to the same table. As in other cases, Trump seems to be moving impulsively, ignoring opposing views and prioritizing the image of another "victory." Whether it concerns Gaza or Greenland, the main thing for him is the announcement of triumph. Whether this will actually lead to peace remains an open – and highly controversial – question.
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