Tel Aviv Rejects Payment to Trump-Led ‘Peace Council’
A senior official in Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet has announced that Tel Aviv will not pay any money to the so-called ‘Peace Council’ chaired by Donald Trump, the President of the United States. According to Al Jazeera, Israel Radio cited the official as saying that this decision has been formally conveyed to Trump.
This stance comes amid the Gaza war, which has caused widespread destruction and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the strip, and international criticism of Israel’s actions continues. Many countries, especially several European governments, have also declared their opposition to participating in this so-called Peace Council.
Donald Trump had earlier stated that countries wishing to obtain permanent seats on this council must pay substantial amounts. He also claimed that potential council members had pledged more than five billion dollars for humanitarian aid and reconstruction of Gaza.
At the same time, Israel’s presence in a body bearing the title ‘Peace’ is viewed with skepticism by some observers, as the country is recognized as one of the main parties to the conflict and a cause of extensive destruction in Gaza. Critics argue that until the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is addressed practically, the establishment of such councils cannot gain the trust of global public opinion.
