Israel blocks technocrat committee entry to Gaza as Trump’s Peace Council sparks diplomatic rift in Europe

The Israeli administration has denied entry to members of the Palestinian technocratic committee tasked with assuming the administration of Gaza into the blockaded enclave. Palestinian sources speaking to the Haaretz newspaper reported that Israel rejected the request for passage.

The committee was scheduled to enter Gaza via the Rafah Border Crossing this week to take over the civil administration.

However, Tel Aviv remains adamant about keeping the border crossing closed, defying calls from the US and the provisions of the ceasefire agreement. According to reports in the Israeli press, committee members are facing uncertainty regarding when and how they will commence their work in Gaza due to the denial of entry permits.

Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the Israeli Security Cabinet, following a decision made on Sunday night, resolved not to open the Rafah Border Crossing “at this stage.”

This diplomatic gridlock on the ground coincides with the Washington administration preparing to host a signing ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, to officially launch the “Peace Council” established for Gaza.

The founding signature for the council, led by US President Donald Trump, is expected to take place on Thursday at 10:30 am within the scope of the World Economic Forum.

European capitals keep their distance

However, some nations remain reluctant to participate in this initiative. A source close to French President Emmanuel Macron told AFP that Paris does not intend to respond positively to the invitation to join the Gaza “Peace Council.” This information was subsequently confirmed by the Élysée Palace.

Macron’s office emphasized that the council’s charter “goes beyond the Gaza framework” and raises “serious questions that are unquestionable regarding the principles and structure of the United Nations (UN).”

In response to this stance, Trump threatened to impose a 200% tariff on French wines imported into the US. It is reported that the United Kingdom and certain European Union officials are also approaching the plan with reserve.

According to reports published over the weekend by Bloomberg and The Times of Israel, which cited the council’s charter, Trump has demanded $1 billion from countries wishing to join the council.

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who has been designated as a member of the council, denied the allegation regarding the participation fee.

Sources speaking to Bloomberg conveyed that due to the conditions put forward by Trump, some countries may refuse participation, while others, even if they accept in principle, may be unwilling to pay the requested fee for permanent membership. According to these sources, these nations will either negotiate to have the fee removed or walk away from the table if Trump insists.

“Concerns regarding an alternative structure to the UN”

The fundamental reason for the cautious approach adopted by world leaders lies in implications within the council’s charter suggesting that Trump aims to transform this body into an alternative or rival institution to the UN.

In a draft charter reviewed by Reuters, the text states: “Lasting peace requires pragmatic judgment, common sense solutions, and the courage to break from frequently failed approaches and institutions.”

The text also argues that there is a “need for a more agile and effective international peace-building institution.”

The Kremlin announced it is reviewing the proposal for the council, to which Russian President Vladimir Putin has also been invited. Former Bulgarian politician Nikolay Mladenov has been appointed as the director-general of the structure, which is planned to consist of 15 world leaders.

Trump has also appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, Special Envoy to West Asia Steve Witkoff, and Tony Blair as co-chairs of a second “Executive Board” that will operate under the supervision of the Peace Council. This board will be tasked with overseeing the field operations of the technocratic committee.