France Rejects Trump's Gaza 'Peace Board' Proposal

France has officially declined to join the 'Board of Peace' proposed by former US President Donald Trump, an initiative intended to oversee post-war governance and reconstruction in Gaza. The United States had extended invitations to dozens of world leaders, reportedly offering three-year memberships and an option to secure a permanent seat for a payment of $1 billion. This body is envisioned to collaborate with a Palestinian technocratic administration during a transitional period.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot articulated Paris's stance, explaining that France "must say no because, at present, the charter of the Board of Peace extends beyond Gaza and therefore exceeds the scope of the peace plan endorsed by the United Nations." Barrot further stated on Monday, as quoted by RFI, that "As currently worded, the charter is incompatible with France’s international commitments."

The White House, however, asserted that the board would "play an essential role" in implementing the 20-point plan, which was approved by the UN Security Council in November. The proposed executive arm of the board is set to include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and the president’s son-in-law and negotiator, Jared Kushner.

Bloomberg reported that Trump anticipates countries will commit to joining the board at the economic forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday. Several news outlets have highlighted concerns raised by European politicians regarding Trump’s plan, with Israeli broadcaster i24NEWS characterizing the mood within the EU as "very nervous and skeptical." Even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite supporting the board's formation in principle, has acknowledged disagreements between Israel and the US on the matter. The Kremlin confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has also received an invitation to the Board of Peace and is currently examining the proposal.