Vatican Rejects Trump Gaza Peace Board Proposal

President Donald Trump’s ambitious post-war Gaza initiative just met resistance from an unexpected corner: the Vatican.

The Holy See announced this week that it will not participate in Trump’s newly formed Gaza Board of Peace, a multinational effort aimed at managing reconstruction and recovery in the Gaza Strip following the Israel-Hamas war. While praising attempts to address the crisis, Vatican officials signaled that they believe such efforts should be led primarily by the United Nations.

The Vatican Trump Gaza Board dispute underscores deeper divisions about who should steer international crisis response sovereign coalitions or global institutions.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, explained that the Holy See would not join the Board of Peace “because of its particular nature,” emphasizing that the Vatican’s diplomatic role differs from that of traditional nation-states.

Parolin also said there were “critical points” that left the Vatican “somewhat perplexed,” adding that at the international level, the UN should be the primary manager of crisis situations.

The Vatican’s position reflects its longstanding preference for multilateral frameworks under UN oversight. The Holy See has permanent observer status at the United Nations and frequently advocates for solutions anchored in international law.

Still, the Vatican Trump Gaza Board decision stands out, given that Pope Leo the first American pope reportedly received a formal invitation to join the initiative earlier this year.

Chartered in January, the Board of Peace includes nearly 20 countries and was launched during a signing ceremony in Davos, Switzerland.

Its stated purpose:

• Coordinate reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

• Oversee distribution of pledged aid funds.

• Facilitate regional cooperation following the Israel-Hamas war.

• Provide governance oversight mechanisms during the rebuilding phase.

President Trump announced that member nations have pledged more than $5 billion toward Gaza recovery, with formal commitments expected during a Washington meeting this week.

Israel formally joined the board ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent White House meeting. Several other countries including France, Germany, Ukraine, Greece, and China were invited to participate.

However, Poland and Italy have also declined to join, signaling that the Vatican is not alone in expressing hesitation.

The Vatican Trump Gaza Board disagreement centers on a fundamental question: Who should lead post-conflict reconstruction?

The United Nations has historically coordinated major humanitarian responses. The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has operated in Gaza for decades, although it has faced criticism and funding controversies in recent years.

Supporters of Trump’s board argue:

• UN mechanisms have often been slow and bureaucratic.

• Direct coalition management may allow faster deployment of funds.

• Regional buy-in from participating countries ensures accountability.

• Reconstruction should not be left to institutions perceived as politically biased.

Critics contend that bypassing the UN could fragment international coordination and weaken established humanitarian channels.

The Israel-Hamas war has left vast portions of Gaza’s infrastructure damaged or destroyed. International agencies estimate:

• Tens of billions of dollars will ultimately be required for full reconstruction.

• Critical infrastructure, including hospitals, power grids, and water systems, must be rebuilt.

• Humanitarian needs remain acute for millions of residents.

The World Bank has previously estimated that post-conflict reconstruction in major war zones can take a decade or more, depending on governance stability and sustained funding.

Trump’s administration has framed the Board of Peace as a practical alternative to what it views as ineffective global bureaucracy. The Vatican, meanwhile, appears wary of departing from established multilateral norms.

The Holy See’s decision not to join does not necessarily signal opposition to reconstruction efforts. Parolin emphasized that “the important thing is that an attempt is being made to provide a response.”

But by insisting that the UN should play the central role, the Vatican is reinforcing its preference for global institutional leadership over ad hoc coalitions.

As the Vatican Trump Gaza Board debate unfolds, the broader question remains: Can a coalition-led approach deliver faster and more accountable results, or will durable peace require the traditional UN-centered framework?

With billions in pledges on the table and fragile regional stability at stake, the answer could shape the future of Gaza and the future of international crisis management.

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