By Micah Jonah
January 24, 2026
Canadian human rights organizations have welcomed the decision by United States President, Donald Trump to withdraw Canada’s invitation to join his proposed Board of Peace on Gaza, saying Ottawa should not be part of any arrangement that sidelines Palestinian self determination.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims said it was relieved that Canada was no longer listed among participants, adding that the initiative does not reflect respect for international law or the rights of Palestinians who continue to suffer under war and humanitarian restrictions in Gaza.
The group said Canada should focus on protecting human rights and supporting lawful international processes rather than joining political structures that determine the future of Gaza without meaningful Palestinian participation.
Another advocacy organization, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, said Canada’s inclusion would have given the board undeserved legitimacy and sent mixed signals about Ottawa’s commitment to justice and accountability in the conflict.
President Trump announced the withdrawal of the invitation shortly after unveiling the charter of the Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where leaders of several countries were presented as members of the new body.
The White House described the board as part of a broader plan to oversee post war administration and reconstruction in Gaza through a Palestinian technocratic committee under international supervision.
The United States also announced plans to mobilise billions of dollars for reconstruction projects in the enclave, but Palestinians have criticised the proposal for failing to prioritise their direct involvement in decisions about their land, homes and political future.
Residents in Gaza have continued to call for immediate relief, clearance of hazardous debris and rebuilding of destroyed homes, saying reconstruction must begin with restoring displaced families to their original communities.
Criticism has also focused on the inclusion of leaders seen as strong supporters of Israel, including Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing an international arrest warrant over alleged war crimes related to military operations in Gaza.
President Trump did not publicly explain why Canada’s invitation was revoked, but the move followed recent comments by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at Davos, where he warned that the current global order was under strain due to political pressure and threats between allies.
Trump responded strongly to Carney’s remarks during his own speech, reminding Canada of its economic and security ties to the United States and issuing sharp warnings over future relations.
Relations between both countries have remained tense in recent months, driven by trade disputes, proposed tariffs and repeated statements from Washington suggesting deeper political control over Canada.
For Canadian rights groups, however, exclusion from the Board of Peace is being viewed not as a diplomatic setback, rather as an opportunity for Canada to take clearer and more independent positions in support of humanitarian law and the rights of civilians affected by the war in Gaza.
