Members of the United Nations Security Council have sent out a clear message ahead of US President Donald Trump’s inaugural Board of Peace gathering – the fragile Gaza ceasefire must become permanent, and unilateral moves in the West Bank risk closing the door on a two-state solution.
Meeting in New York on Wednesday – a day earlier than planned, to avoid clashing with Trump's Board of Peace meeting in Washington – UN diplomats used the session to reassert the UN's central role in addressing the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, even as a new US-led initiative seeks to reshape global mediation efforts.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, described the moment as “pivotal” – a rare opening for the region to shift course after more than two years of war. But she cautioned that the outcome depends on decisions taken in the coming weeks.
That sense of urgency was echoed across the UN chamber, with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warning that Gaza must not be left suspended “between peace and war”.
Several council members also condemned Israel’s recent steps to expand its control over the West Bank, with Pakistan calling the moves “null and void” under international law.
Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour described what he called a “gradual de facto annexation” as an existential threat – not only to Palestinian statehood but also to wider peace efforts, including those being discussed in Washington.
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Expanded ambitions
These statements reflected growing unease at what many see as a parallel diplomatic track emerging outside the UN system. Trump’s Board of Peace – initially conceived as a small group to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction – has rapidly expanded in ambition, positioning itself as a broader conflict resolution platform.
That evolution has raised eyebrows among diplomats. Critics question whether the initiative risks undermining existing multilateral structures, particularly given the US president retains tight control over membership and decision making.
At the Security Council, the divide was pronounced. While US ambassador Mike Waltz praised the new body as one that “is not talking, it is doing”, many countries doubled down on their support for the UN framework.
More than 80 nations backed a joint statement this week rejecting any form of annexation in the West Bank and calling for an immediate reversal of Israeli actions. The message was clear – for much of the international community, the UN remains the primary arena for legitimacy and coordination.
However, key challenges remain daunting, from disarming Hamas to deploying an international stabilisation force and rebuilding a territory left in ruins. Trump has said participants will pledge $5 billion and contribute thousands of personnel, although details remain scarce and experts caution the true cost will be far higher.
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France and allies keep their distance
If the UN chamber displayed a degree of unity, the picture in Washington is more fragmented – with notable absences, particularly of European countries.
France has opted not to join the Board of Peace as a founding member, aligning with a broader group of traditional US allies wary of the initiative’s structure and intent.
France – backed by Spain, Belgium and Ireland – has also voiced concern over the European Union’s decision to attend as an observer.
Germany and Italy are sending representatives in that capacity, reflecting a divided European approach. The EU itself will be present, but without formally endorsing the project.
This cautious stance underscores a deeper French preference for UN-centred diplomacy. French officials have repeatedly signalled that any lasting solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict must be anchored in established multilateral frameworks.
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Beyond Europe, several other major players are keeping their distance. China has shown no sign of participating, reiterating its commitment to the UN system, while Canada’s invitation was withdrawn and the Vatican has declined to attend.
Even among participants, motivations vary widely. Alongside US allies such as Israel, the gathering will include countries including Hungary and Argentina, as well as Arab states including Egypt and Jordan, which are directly invested in Gaza’s future. Indonesia has indicated it could contribute up to 8,000 troops to a potential stabilisation force.
The result is a forum that is broad but uneven – bringing together governments with differing priorities, and raising questions about coherence and credibility.
(with newswires)
