Sweden Refuses to Join Gaza Peace Council

JAKARTA - Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said his government would not participate in the Gaza Peace Council with the current format.

"We have not given an official response to the invitation, but now we will discuss it with other European countries. Based on the current draft, Sweden will not sign it," Kristersson told reporters, quoted by Sputnik, Wednesday, January 21.

Meanwhile, Poland considers it necessary to clarify the status of the Gaza Peace Council before deciding to join. This was conveyed by the spokesperson for the Polish parliament, Wlodzimierz Czarzasty.

"There is no need to rush into such matters. First of all, I want to know the status of the Peace Council. Because, as far as I see, this is still a problem that should be considered," said Czarzasty.

He added that it was not yet entirely clear whether the Gaza Peace Council would take the form of an international organization or in another format.

"When the status of this council is clear, then it can be determined whether our country's participation needs to be represented officially or in another form," he said.

Last week, US President Donald Trump announced the formation of the Gaza Peace Council, which includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and US Deputy National Security Adviser Robert Gabriel.

Trump also invited leaders of a number of countries, including Russia and Belarus, to join the council.

In mid-November, the UN Security Council approved a resolution proposed by the United States to support Trump's comprehensive plan for resolving the situation in Gaza.

A total of 13 of the 15 members of the Security Council voted in favor, while Russia and China abstained.

The US plan for Gaza includes the establishment of a provisional international government in the region, the establishment of a peace council led by Trump, and the deployment of international stabilization forces.

Reporter : Yoanita Hastryka Djoha