Guterres backs Trump’s Peace Council in Gaza reconstruction

UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the Trump Peace Council’s intention to fund and secure key elements of the Gaza reconstruction plan, aimed at rebuilding Palestinian homes and infrastructure.

In an interview with Politico, he said the objective aligns with the plan approved by the UN Security Council and that the United Nations is working closely with the relevant bodies.

At the same time, he suggested the council’s role should be confined to Gaza’s reconstruction. In his view, it is not an effective instrument for addressing the wider and more pressing challenges in the region. He stressed that any peace initiative must be grounded in international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

Guterres also commented on the situation in the Gulf. He called for an end to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and noted that the UN could play a role in safeguarding the strategic waterway, as well as in broader efforts to reduce tensions.

He added that he had not personally spoken to Donald Trump since the start of the war, although he had been in contact with other officials in the administration.

(reuters, lud)