Full Breakdown
Guterres Acknowledges Cooperation with Trump's Board of Peace for Gaza Reconstruction
3/21/2026, 5:25:34 PM
UN's Role in Gaza Reconstruction
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed support for President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, which aims to fund and implement a reconstruction plan for Gaza. In a recent interview, Guterres stated, “There is an objective there that was defined, approved by the Security Council, and we are cooperating actively with structures created by the Board of Peace.” This cooperation focuses on rebuilding Palestinian homes and infrastructure following the ongoing conflict.
Limitations of the Board of Peace
Despite his support for the Board's Gaza reconstruction efforts, Guterres has articulated that he sees no necessity for the board beyond this specific mandate. He criticized the broader ambitions of the Board, which Trump has described as an alternative to traditional international institutions. Guterres remarked, “This is not the effective way to address the dramatic problems that we have now. We need to be clear about international law, to be clear about the values of the Charter of the United Nations. That is essential in any peace initiative.” He emphasized that the board has become a personal project of Trump, stating, “Everything else now is a personal project of President Trump, in which he has full control of everything.”
Regional Tensions and the Strait of Hormuz
In addition to discussing Gaza, Guterres addressed the ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where he called for an end to Iran's closure of the waterway. He suggested that the UN could play a role in safeguarding the strait and facilitating a de-escalation of attacks in the region. Guterres noted, “We would like to be useful and we are prepared to manage the system,” indicating the UN's readiness to engage with key actors in the Gulf.
Official Statements & Responses
Guterres has not communicated directly with Trump since the onset of the Iran crisis but has maintained contact with other members of the U.S. administration. He reiterated the importance of international law in addressing global conflicts and highlighted the UN's historical role in crisis management, referencing the Black Sea Initiative that allowed for the export of Ukrainian food and fertilizer.
Criticism & Opposition
While Guterres supports the Gaza reconstruction efforts, critics argue that the Board of Peace lacks legitimacy and effectiveness. Key democracies, including the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Germany, have refrained from joining the board, which has been characterized by a diverse membership that includes countries like Belarus and Azerbaijan. This absence of major powers raises questions about the board's capacity to address broader international issues effectively.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There is an objective there that was defined, approved by the Security Council, and we are cooperating actively with structures created by the Board of Peace,” — António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
- “This is not the effective way to address the dramatic problems that we have now.” — António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
- “We need to be clear about international law, to be clear about the values of the Charter of the United Nations. That is essential in any peace initiative.” — António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
In summary, Guterres's cooperation with Trump's Board of Peace highlights a focused effort on Gaza's reconstruction, while his critiques underscore the challenges and limitations of the board in addressing wider geopolitical issues.
