Guterres warns against 'Peace Council' becoming Trump's personal project outside Gaza reconstruction framework

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed conditional welcome for the stated goals of the 'Peace Council' launched by US President Donald Trump, specifically regarding the funding of the Gaza Strip reconstruction plan. Guterres clarified that focusing on repairing destroyed homes and rehabilitating Palestinian infrastructure represents an urgent need consistent with the international community's direction, but he simultaneously warned against the council's tasks expanding into other political areas.

Guterres emphasized in press statements the necessity of limiting the council's efforts to the technical and funding framework of reconstruction, criticizing any attempts to operate outside this scope as 'personal initiatives' lacking collective endorsement. He considered that deviating from the objectives approved by the UN Security Council weakens the legitimacy of international actions and transforms them into tools for individual control instead of consensual solutions.

US President Donald Trump announced the launch of the 'Peace Council' on January 22nd during an official ceremony held in Davos, Switzerland, where he signed its charter in the presence of international leaders. The council, according to Trump's vision, aims to address major global challenges beyond the ceasefire in Gaza, with his continuous emphasis that the new entity does not seek to be a substitute for the UN organization.

Speaking to media sources, Guterres affirmed that he sees no necessity for this council's existence outside the context of the Gaza reconstruction plan approved by the Security Council, describing it as 'not an effective means of managing' complex international crises. He indicated that current cooperation with the structures established by the council is limited to aspects that serve approved UN objectives, warning against the dominance of Trump's personal vision in managing sensitive issues.

The Secretary-General called for strict adherence to the principles of international law and the values of the UN Charter when proposing any new peace initiatives, considering that clarity in these principles is the foundation for the success of any diplomatic effort. He added that addressing the serious problems facing the world requires integrated institutional work that does not rely on complete control by one party, but rather on multilateral cooperation.

Guterres strongly defended the pivotal role of the United Nations in resolving international conflicts, citing complex crises such as navigation security in the Strait of Hormuz, where the organization can play a role in de-escalation and protecting waterways. He also recalled the organization's successful mediation in the 'Black Sea Initiative' which secured the export of grains and fertilizers, as evidence of the ability of international institutions to achieve tangible results away from individual actions.

These statements come amidst increasing pressure from Trump on his Western allies to participate in securing the Strait of Hormuz and sending warships to escort oil tankers, a request that has been met with rejection from several countries. Trump has accused some allies of 'ingratitude,' reflecting a growing gap between the American vision for crisis management and the UN approaches represented by Guterres at this critical stage.

Everything outside of Gaza reconstruction is President Trump's personal project, in which he has complete control over everything, and this is not an effective way to address serious problems.