JERUSALEM, Jan 21: Divisions emerged on Wednesday over US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza, with several Western European countries rejecting participation and others withholding a response.
The split highlights growing European unease over the initiative, which critics fear could undermine or replace the United Nations’ role as a mediator in global conflicts, as Trump arrived in Davos to promote the plan.
A White House official said about 50 countries had been invited to join the board, with roughly 30 expected to participate, though details remain unclear.
France, Norway and Sweden have all declined to join in its current form. French officials said they support the Gaza peace plan but oppose creating a new body that could supplant the UN.
Norway cited unresolved questions requiring further dialogue with Washington, while Sweden said the text was unacceptable as it stands.
Other Western powers, including the United Kingdom, Canada, the European Commission, Russia, China and Ukraine, have not yet indicated their positions.
In contrast, key regional actors Israel and Egypt said they would join the board, alongside Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Armenia, Hungary, Argentina and several others.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision marks a shift from earlier criticism of the board’s structure and may strain relations with far-right partners in his governing coalition.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis persists despite the ceasefire.
At least five Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire on Wednesday, hospital officials said.
Since the truce began in October, Gaza’s health ministry reports more than 460 Palestinians have been killed, underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire as debate continues over Gaza’s political future.
Who will join Trump’s Board of Peace?
Several countries have responded to US President Donald Trump’s invitation to join his proposed “Board of Peace,” while others have declined or remain undecided.
The board, chaired by Trump, was initially intended to oversee the Gaza ceasefire but has since expanded into a broader conflict-mediation initiative.
A White House official said about 50 countries were invited, with around 30 expected to join.
Those agreeing to participate include Argentina, Egypt, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Morocco, Hungary and Vietnam, among others.
France, Norway and Sweden have declined to join for now.
Meanwhile, countries such as Britain, China, Germany, Russia, Italy, Turkiye and Ukraine have not yet indicated whether they will participate. (AP)
