France Says 'Not Intending' to Join Gaza Peace Council

JAKARTA - Sources close to President Emmanuel Macron said France 'does not intend to respond positively' to an invitation to join the Gaza Peace Council announced by US President Donald Trump.

The council was originally designed to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza, which was destroyed in the war, but its basic budget does not seem to limit its role in the occupied Palestinian territory.

The basic budget "goes beyond the Gaza framework alone," a source close to the French President told AFP on Monday, as reported by Al Arabiya (20/1).

"This raises big questions, especially regarding respect for the principles and structure of the UN, which under no circumstances should be questioned," he added.

Previously, US President Donald Trump last week announced the formation of the Gaza Strip Peace Council, which he headed in a post on Truth Social, as part of peace efforts in the Palestinian enclave.

The White House has contacted various figures around the world to sit in what is called the "Peace Council", which is headed by the US President, as reported by Al Arabiya from Reuters.

A number of world leaders have reportedly accepted the US's offer to join the council, which is expected to begin work during the second phase of the peace plan.

Prior to the announcement of the formation of this council, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff last week announced the start of the second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza with a focus on demilitarization, the formation of a technocratic government for transition and reconstruction.

It is known that France itself is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

On Monday morning, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement reaffirming the country's commitment to the United Nations.

"This remains the main foundation of effective multilateralism, where international law, the equality of sovereignty of states, and the peaceful settlement of disputes take precedence over arbitrary, political power, and war," the statement said.

The ministry added that they were reviewing the legal framework proposed by the council together with its partners, with concerns that "this project goes beyond the situation in Gaza."

Sources close to the French president, however, noted that France "remains fully committed to a ceasefire in Gaza and to a credible political horizon for Palestinians and Israelis."