Brazil’s Lula urges Trump to focus Peace Council on Gaza, guarantee a seat for Palestine

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Palestine

Brazilian President Lula asks Trump to limit “Peace Council” work to Gaza, including a seat for Palestine.
Leaders agree to meet in Washington and discuss UN reforms and regional issues.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva asked US President Donald Trump to limit the work of the “Peace Council” to the Gaza Strip, the Brazilian presidency said Monday. The two leaders agreed to meet in Washington to discuss the proposal.

Lula, invited alongside other world leaders to the council created by Trump, suggested that it focus exclusively on Gaza and include a seat for Palestine. He also emphasized the importance of comprehensive UN reforms, including expanding the number of permanent members on the Security Council.

Concerns over council’s scope

Lula previously accused Trump of attempting to become the “master” of a “new United Nations” by creating the council and extending its role to other international conflicts. The White House had announced the Peace Council as part of a plan to end the war between 'Israel' and Hamas in Gaza, but its charter granted Trump broad authority, raising concerns about a body that could rival the UN.

Bilateral ties and regional issues

The two leaders have maintained multiple contacts since their first official meeting in October, following months of tension. After this rapprochement, the US lifted 40 percent tariffs on key Brazilian exports that had been imposed in response to the trial of former right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, an ally of Trump.

Lula also discussed Venezuela, urging “peace and stability in the region” after a US operation captured President Nicolás Maduro, which he previously criticized as “beyond acceptable limits.”

Next steps

Both presidents agreed that Lula would visit Washington, with the date to be set after his trips to India and South Korea in February, according to the Brazilian presidency.