UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says he is cooperating with a Trump administration board on Gaza reconstruction but questions its broader peace role.

UNITED NATIONS: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has confirmed the UN is cooperating with a peace board established by former US President Donald Trump to fund and deliver a Gaza reconstruction plan.

Guterres told Politico in an interview that he welcomed the board’s aim to rebuild Palestinian homes and infrastructure.

“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,” Guterres said.

However, he expressed scepticism about the board’s utility beyond the immediate reconstruction effort in Gaza.

“This is not the effective way to address the dramatic problems that we have now,” Guterres stated.

He emphasised that any peace initiative must be clear on international law and the values of the UN Charter.

The UN chief also called for an end to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

He suggested the UN could help protect the vital waterway and be part of a plan to de-escalate regional attacks.

Guterres noted he had not spoken directly with Trump since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

He has, however, engaged with other officials from the former US administration.

 The Sun Malaysia