In a significant diplomatic move on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi Foreign Minister, signed the charter establishing the “Peace Council,” an initiative launched by former US President Donald Trump to oversee reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip. This signing confirms the Kingdom’s acceptance, announced the previous day, of the US invitation to join this international coalition.

Historical background and context of the initiative

This initiative comes within the context of repeated international efforts to address the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip, which has suffered the consequences of successive conflicts and a blockade that has severely impacted its infrastructure and the living standards of its residents. The reconstruction of Gaza has long been a key item on the international community's agenda, with numerous international donor conferences held. However, political and security challenges on the ground have consistently hindered the delivery of aid and the sustainable implementation of projects. The Peace Council aims to provide a new and coordinated framework to overcome these obstacles.

The importance of the step and its expected impact

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s participation in this council is of particular importance, given its pivotal role in the Arab and Islamic worlds and its long-standing position as a leading provider of humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinian people. The Kingdom’s membership reflects its unwavering commitment to supporting stability in the region and finding practical solutions to improve the lives of Palestinians. This membership is expected to provide significant political and financial momentum to the council, potentially encouraging other countries to increase their contributions.

Statements and declared objectives

According to US President Donald Trump, speaking at the signing ceremony, the council comprises “the best leaders in the world.” He noted that 59 countries had agreed to join, reflecting a broad international consensus on the need for action. Trump emphasized a clear commitment to ensuring the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, alongside efforts to “rebuild it beautifully,” a condition aimed at preventing a recurrence of cycles of violence and directing resources toward sustainable development rather than military spending. This council represents an opportunity to become one of the most important entities established to achieve lasting peace in the region, if it can realize its stated objectives on the ground.

In a surprise move at the World Economic Forum in Davos, former US President Donald Trump announced a framework agreement for a future deal on Greenland, ending weeks of tensions and threats of tariffs and military action. This announcement underscores the growing strategic importance of the Arctic region on the international stage.

Historical background and geopolitical context

This wasn't the first time Greenland had appeared on the Trump administration's radar. In 2019, Trump sparked international controversy when he expressed interest in purchasing the island from Denmark, a move that was categorically rejected by Copenhagen and the Greenlandic government, which described the idea as "absurd." Greenland's strategic importance dates back decades, specifically to the Cold War, when the island hosted Thule Air Base, the northernmost U.S. military installation and a vital component of missile defense and early warning systems. In addition to its unique geographic location, Greenland is valued for its vast untapped natural resources, including rare earth minerals, oil, and gas, the accessibility of which has increased as the ice sheet melts due to climate change.

Details of the agreement and its expected impact

According to Trump's post on his Truth Social platform, the framework for the agreement was established after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Trump confirmed that this understanding led to his decision not to impose the tariffs that were scheduled to take effect on February 1st. He described the agreement as "long-term" and "lasting forever," noting that it gives the United States "everything we wanted," particularly regarding security and minerals. Despite the ambiguity surrounding the agreement's terms—Trump declined to confirm whether it would grant the United States sovereignty over the Danish territory—indications point toward enhanced security and economic cooperation to counter the growing influence of Russia and China in the region. Moscow is working to strengthen its military presence in the Arctic, while Beijing seeks to solidify its position as a polar power through its "Arctic Silk Road" initiative.

International reactions and the future

Initial reactions were both cautious and positive. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen welcomed the cessation of the trade war and the decision not to "attack Greenland," calling them "positive signals," but declined to comment on the details of the agreement. NATO Secretary General John Garang acknowledged that "much work remains to be done." Alliance spokesperson Alison Hart confirmed that discussions would focus on ensuring Arctic security through collective allied efforts and preventing Russia and China from establishing an economic or military foothold in Greenland. This framework agreement represents a shift in strategy toward the region, moving from unilateral procurement efforts to a collective framework under the NATO umbrella, reflecting an international recognition that Arctic security is a collective issue requiring close cooperation among allies.