India attended the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s peace council on Gaza on Thursday (February 19), participating as an “observer” country.
According to a list of attendees from the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, India was represented by Namgya Khampa, chargé d’affaires at the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC.
India has not formally joined the Peace Council set up by Trump to oversee the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
India missed the start of Davos
India was absent from a ceremony in Davos on January 22 where Trump formally unveiled the Peace Council, which aims to promote long-term stability in Gaza and potentially resolve other global conflicts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the global leaders invited to join the governing body that is part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Board of Peace perceived as a rival of the UN
The Board of Peace was widely seen as a rival to the United Nations. Trump has previously suggested the governing body “could” replace the UN, criticizing the organization for not living up to its potential.
Trump gives $10 billion
Trump convened the first meeting of his peace council in Washington DC, where he highlighted member countries’ contributions of $7 billion to the Gaza reconstruction fund. The fund aims to rebuild the enclave once Hamas disarms, a goal that remains uncertain due to ongoing tensions.
Trump emphasized that the United States would contribute $10 billion to the initiative, although he did not specify the source of the funding or whether congressional approval would be required.
Key Donors and Membership
Trump listed contributing countries as Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Kuwait. The board’s membership is mostly Middle Eastern, with a few countries outside the region participating that are likely to curry favor with the US president.
The estimated cost of rebuilding Gaza, devastated after two years of war, could reach $70 billion.
Trump also highlighted FIFA’s $75 million contribution to soccer-related projects in Gaza and $2 billion from the United Nations for humanitarian aid.
Board mandate controversy
The board includes representatives from Israel, but not from the Palestinians, raising concerns that it could undermine the UN’s traditional role in resolving global conflicts. Trump sought to calm critics by saying, “We’re going to strengthen the United Nations,” even though the U.S. is lagging behind in its contributions to the organization.
Norway has been announced as the host for the upcoming event, although the country has clarified that it has not formally joined the board.
International stabilization forces planned
Trump outlined plans to create an International Stabilization Force to maintain order in Gaza once it is deployed. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has pledged up to 8,000 troops for the force, which aims to train 12,000 police and 20,000 soldiers. The initial deployment is planned for the Israeli-controlled Rafah.
Disarmament of Hamas remains critical
The central theme of the board is the disarmament of Hamas, which is a condition of the reconstruction process. Trump expressed hope that force would not be necessary: ”Hamas has promised to disarm and it looks like they will, but we’ll have to find out.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned: “Very soon Hamas will face a dilemma – to disarm peacefully or to be disarmed by force.”
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said the council’s success would be judged by its ability to stop ceasefire violations, fulfill commitments and provide aid and reconstruction.