France rejects US-backed Gaza governance body over ‘UN concerns’

France has declined an invitation to join a proposed US-led body intended to oversee Gaza’s post-war administration and reconstruction, saying the plan conflicts with its obligations under international law.

The so-called “Board of Peace,” put forward by US President Donald Trump, would operate alongside a Palestinian technocratic authority during a transitional period. Invitations were reportedly sent to dozens of global leaders, offering three-year terms, with the option of securing a permanent seat through a US$1 billion financial contribution.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Paris could not support the proposal in its current form because the board’s draft charter extends beyond Gaza and goes further than the framework approved by the United Nations.

He said this made the plan incompatible with France’s international commitments, according to comments reported by RFI.

The White House has defended the initiative, saying the board would be central to implementing a 20-point plan endorsed by the UN Security Council in November. Its executive structure is expected to include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and a key negotiator.

Trump is reportedly seeking formal commitments from participating countries at the World Economic Forum in Davos later this week. However, European officials are said to be wary of the proposal, with reports describing unease and scepticism across the EU.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed general support for the concept of the board, while acknowledging differences between Israel and Washington over its scope and operation.

Image credit: Mohammed Ibrahim