By Micah Jonah
January 20, 2026
French President, Emmanuel Macron has declined an invitation from United States President, Donald Trump to join the newly proposed “Board of Peace” initiative aimed at overseeing post-conflict governance and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, citing concerns that the body’s scope could extend beyond its stated mandate, undermine the authority of the United Nations.
According to French government sources, Paris believes the board’s charter appears to grant extensive powers that exceed the transitional governance of Gaza, raise “major questions” about respect for the principles and structure of the UN, which France considers fundamental to international security and diplomatic cooperation.
France’s decision underscores growing unease among some European allies about the highly individualized nature of the proposed board, which is chaired by Trump and has drawn invitations to several dozen countries. European officials have privately expressed caution, warning that the initiative, as currently drafted, risks encroaching on established multilateral frameworks, diminishing the role of the United Nations in conflict resolution.
The United States has sought global partners to join the board, which is part of Trump’s broader 20-point plan to secure peace, stability in Gaza after years of conflict, with meetings expected during the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos. While a handful of countries have expressed interest, several other invited nations remain hesitant, reflecting a broader transatlantic divide over the initiative’s structure and mandate.
France’s refusal highlights the diplomatic tensions that can emerge when powerful states propose alternative mechanisms for peace building, especially when such plans are seen as potentially sidelining long-standing international institutions like the United Nations.
