Portugal has confirmed it will attend meetings of the Peace Council initiative created US President Donald Trump, with participation strictly limited to an observer role and focused exclusively on matters related to Gaza.
The first meeting of the newly established council is scheduled for 19 February. According to a source within Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government will make itself available to attend sessions that contribute to peace consolidation or reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Officials stressed that Portugal’s involvement will be carefully defined. The country intends to participate only in discussions directly connected to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the reconstruction of Gaza, avoiding broader geopolitical agendas that may fall outside this scope.
Lisbon received a formal invitation from the White House to join the Peace Council framework. Portuguese diplomatic leadership has acknowledged the invitation while clarifying that engagement will remain limited and conditional. The government’s position reflects a cautious but constructive approach, aligning with Portugal’s longstanding emphasis on multilateral diplomacy and humanitarian cooperation.
The Peace Council initiative aims to bring together international actors to discuss pathways toward stabilisation and rebuilding efforts in Gaza following ongoing regional tensions. While full details of the structure and membership of the council have not been publicly disclosed, its stated objective is to promote dialogue and coordinate reconstruction support.
Portugal has historically supported international efforts toward a two-state solution and has backed humanitarian assistance programmes in the region. attending as an observer, Lisbon signals readiness to engage in diplomatic dialogue without committing to binding political positions beyond its established foreign policy principles.
Government sources indicate that any Portuguese presence at the meetings will prioritise issues such as humanitarian access, civilian protection and infrastructure reconstruction. Portugal’s participation is framed as part of its broader commitment to international peace initiatives conducted within recognised diplomatic channels.
The decision to attend in observer capacity also allows Lisbon to assess the council’s direction before determining the level of future engagement. Diplomatic officials have underlined that Portugal’s involvement does not imply endorsement of all aspects of the initiative but reflects openness to contribute where constructive dialogue is possible.
As the first meeting convenes, attention will focus on the scope of discussions and the range of countries participating. Portugal’s approach underscores its preference for balanced diplomacy, particularly in sensitive Middle East matters where international coordination remains essential.
