The White House has announced plans for a meeting aimed at pushing forward the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and mobilizing funds for reconstruction.
An American official described the event as the inaugural meeting of the “Council of Peace,” alongside a fundraising conference for Gaza’s reconstruction. The official noted that the arrangements are still in preliminary stages and subject to change, while the White House declined to provide further comment.
The announcement of the council last month drew widespread skepticism, as most Western allies refrained from joining. This was partly due to the council’s broad powers and the provision granting President Donald Trump the right of veto. Some allies viewed the initiative as an attempt by Washington to establish a parallel framework to the United Nations Security Council.
The council comprises 27 members and is chaired by Trump, with a mandate from the Security Council to oversee the ceasefire implementation, governance arrangements, and reconstruction efforts.
On the logistical side, the administration has begun contacting dozens of countries to invite their leaders. The meeting is set to take place at the “Institute for Peace,” a venue reportedly recently renamed by Trump. An official source indicated that while plans are underway and invitations are being sent, no details are finalized yet.
In a related development, Israeli officials confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on February 18, a day before the council meeting. Netanyahu accepted the invitation to join the council but has not yet signed the charter. His participation would mark his first public meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders since the October 7 attacks.
On the ground, reports indicate that the implementation of the ceasefire’s second phase has commenced but is proceeding slowly. While Israel agreed to reopen the Rafah crossing, only a limited number of Palestinians have been allowed to cross. A technocratic Palestinian government was announced but has not yet entered Gaza, operating instead from Egypt.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration and mediators, including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, are in the early stages of negotiations regarding the disarmament of Hamas. Israel has stated that it will not withdraw its forces from Gaza or allow reconstruction funds without achieving this disarmament.
