The Trump Board of Peace has drawn mixed international reactions ahead of its first official meeting in Washington. Italy confirmed it will attend as an observer, while the Vatican announced it will not participate in the initiative led by US President Donald Trump.
The body was initially presented as a mechanism to oversee the Gaza truce and reconstruction efforts following the war between Israel and Hamas. However, its scope has since expanded to include broader international conflicts, raising questions in diplomatic circles about its mandate and structure.
The first meeting of the board is scheduled to take place on Thursday in Washington.
Italy to Attend Trump Board of Peace as Observer
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Wednesday that Rome would be present at the inaugural meeting in Washington.
“I will go to Washington to represent Italy as an observer to this first meeting of the Board of Peace, to be present when talks occur and decisions are made for the reconstruction of Gaza and the future of Palestine,” Tajani said, according to Italy’s ANSA news agency.
Tajani clarified that Italy’s participation would be limited. Under Italy’s constitutional framework, the country cannot formally join an organization led by a single foreign leader.
Key points regarding Italy’s position:
• Italy will attend in an observer capacity only.
• Constitutional rules prevent formal membership in such a body.
• Rome considers it important to follow discussions on Gaza’s reconstruction and the broader Palestinian issue.
Since its launch at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, the initiative has reportedly been endorsed by at least 19 countries that signed its founding charter. Permanent membership requires a contribution of $1 billion, according to AFP.
Vatican Declines Participation, Emphasizes UN Role
In contrast, the Vatican confirmed it will not join the Trump Board of Peace.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, stated Tuesday that global crisis management should remain primarily under the United Nations.
“At the international level, it is above all the UN that manages these crisis situations,” Parolin said, adding that there were critical issues that needed clarification.
The Vatican’s position underscores concerns among some international actors that the new body could overlap with or challenge the established role of the United Nations in handling international conflicts.
Expanding Mandate and International Reactions
The Trump Board of Peace was initially described as a platform to oversee the Gaza ceasefire and coordinate reconstruction efforts after the war in Gaza. The conflict began after Hamas fighters carried out the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which led to a large-scale Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
However, the board’s mandate has since expanded to include efforts aimed at resolving various global conflicts. This evolution has prompted debate over:
Whether the initiative complements or competes with the United Nations.
• The financial requirements for membership.
• The political implications of leadership centered on the US presidency.
The reported invitation extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose country invaded Ukraine in 2022, has also drawn criticism in some quarters.
For Iraq and the broader region, developments related to Gaza’s reconstruction and international diplomatic mechanisms remain closely watched, given their potential impact on regional stability and Palestinian statehood discussions.
Conclusion:
As the first meeting of the Trump Board of Peace approaches, Italy’s decision to attend as an observer and the Vatican’s refusal to participate highlight differing international approaches to the US-led initiative. The board’s evolving role in Gaza reconstruction and wider conflict resolution will likely remain under scrutiny in the coming months.
