Tue Jan 20 07:09:20 UTC 2026: # Morocco Accepts Trump’s Invitation to Gaza “Board of Peace” as France Declines
The Story:
Morocco has accepted an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to join the U.S.-led “Board of Peace” for Gaza, a key component of a U.S.-backed peace plan aimed at ending the war in Palestine. The Moroccan Foreign Ministry announced its acceptance on January 19, 2026, stating its support for the second phase of Trump’s comprehensive peace plan and the creation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza as a temporary transitional body. However, France has reportedly declined the invitation to participate, according to a source close to President Emmanuel Macron.
Key Points:
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced the formation of a Gaza “Board of Peace” on January 15, 2026.
- Morocco has accepted an invitation to be a founding member of the Board.
- The Board is intended to provide a governance structure for the Gaza Strip.
- Hamas is being pressured to relinquish its governance role in Gaza as part of the peace plan.
- France has reportedly declined the invitation to join the Board.
Critical Analysis:
The acceptance of Morocco and rejection by France indicate a potential rift between the United States and some of its traditional European allies. The historical context provided suggests heightened tensions, with potential trade wars looming as the US president appears to apply pressure using tariffs. This could represent a shift in global power dynamics and alliances, with some nations aligning with the US peace plan while others remain hesitant or openly opposed.
Key Takeaways:
- The U.S. is actively seeking to establish a new governance structure for Gaza.
- There is international division regarding Trump’s peace plan, as evidenced by Morocco’s acceptance and France’s reported rejection.
- The situation suggests potential shifts in international alliances and power dynamics.
- The US President is unafraid to take unilateral actions that may affect relationships with key allies.
Impact Analysis:
The formation of the “Board of Peace” and the diverging responses from nations like Morocco and France could have significant long-term implications. Success of the US plan may rely on the degree of cooperation from the participating countries as well as the acceptance from parties directly involved in the conflict like Hamas. Failure to achieve consensus or secure buy-in from key stakeholders could lead to further instability in the region and strained relations between the U.S. and its allies. The looming trade war between the US and France could spill over into other areas of cooperation and further complicate international relations.
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