Middle East Crisis Peace Council

US plans military base for 5,000 troops in Gaza

The US is planning to build a military base in southern Gaza, according to procurement documents seen by The Guardian.

The base, which is about 1.5 square kilometers in size, is intended to house a UN-approved stabilization force of 5,000 soldiers from member countries of Trump's so-called peace council, according to the information. The facility will include shelters and shooting ranges, and will be surrounded by barbed wire and 26 surveillance towers.

Several international construction companies with experience from combat zones have already visited the site.

The UN-approved force will be tasked with securing the Gaza border and monitoring peace in the area. Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania have promised to send soldiers to the force, according to commander Jasper Jeffers, according to Reuters.
 
Norway rejects Trump's claim – will not host peace council

The Norwegian Foreign Ministry denies Donald Trump's statement that the country will host a meeting of the peace council. This is reported by Norwegian media.

Trump said that the peace council would meet in Norway at a press conference on Thursday.

- When I read on the note 'I am pleased to announce that Norway...' I thought they were going to say they were giving me the peace prize. This is less exciting, Donald Trump said at the press conference, claiming that Norway had accepted the event.

The Norwegian Foreign Ministry tells Aftenposten that a donor meeting for Palestine will be held in Norway this spring.

- We are in contact with the US about how we can also discuss the peace plan for Gaza, says spokesperson Ane Jørem to NRK.

Norway has declined to become a member of the peace council.

Trump's USA Peace Council
Trump pledges money to UN: "They need help"

US President Donald Trump is pledging more money to the UN. He said this during Thursday's meeting with the Peace Council, where nine members have pledged seven billion dollars to Gaza, according to the AP.

- One day I won't be there. The UN will be there, says Donald Trump.

He says that the Peace Council will in the future "almost monitor the UN and make sure that it is run properly".

US support for the UN was cut sharply during Trump's first term. Since he took office again a little over a year ago, he has said that he thinks the US pays a disproportionately large share of the UN budget.