Canada and France have so far declined to join the proposed Gaza Peace Council, a central pillar of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan. Both governments have voiced concerns not only about the concept of paid permanent membership but also about the political and legal foundations of the body, which Paris argues could undermine the authority of the United Nations.
According to sources cited by AFP, Canada does not intend to pay the one-billion-dollar annual fee demanded by Washington for permanent membership. France has similarly signaled reluctance, though both countries stress their continued interest in contributing to Gaza’s post-war reconstruction.
Concerns over a “pay-to-join” model
The Canadian government has rejected the idea of purchasing influence through financial contributions. A senior official stated that Ottawa has not been formally asked to pay and would oppose such a mechanism on principle. At the same time, Prime Minister Mark Carney has suggested that Canada could accept an invitation to participate in the council’s work in order to help shape outcomes from within.
Carney’s office emphasized that “having a seat at the table” is essential to influence the process, even as key elements of the proposal remain unresolved. Canada’s position reflects a cautious balance between engagement and institutional skepticism.
France questions the council’s mandate
France has adopted a more critical stance. The French Foreign Ministry said it is reviewing the proposed charter alongside close partners, noting that the council’s mandate appears to extend beyond Gaza itself. Shortly afterward, officials close to President Emmanuel Macron indicated that France does not intend to accept the invitation at this stage.
Paris argues that the charter raises serious concerns about respect for the principles and structures of the OSN, which should not be bypassed by ad hoc arrangements. French officials have reaffirmed their commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 2803, adopted in November 2025, which calls for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and a credible path toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
Mixed international response
The United States has invited approximately 60 countries to join the council, with membership envisioned for a three-year term. President Trump would retain lifelong chairmanship, according to the proposal. Within the European Union, only Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has so far accepted the invitation.
Other invitees include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose invitation was confirmed by the Kremlin.
Council linked to fragile ceasefire
The Peace Council forms part of Trump’s broader peace framework, endorsed by both Israel and the militant group Hamas. A ceasefire that took effect on 10 October 2025 brought an end to nearly two years of conflict in Gaza. The council is intended to oversee a transitional Palestinian administration during the reconstruction phase.
Analytical conclusion
Canada’s and France’s hesitation highlights a fundamental tension between Washington’s push for rapid post-war governance and allies’ concerns about legitimacy and precedent. Without broader international endorsement and a clear role for the United Nations, the Gaza Peace Council risks being perceived as financially driven rather than politically inclusive—potentially weakening, rather than strengthening, prospects for long-term stability.