Netanyahu to Join 'Gaza Peace Committee'... About 20 Countries Accept Invitation

France and the United Kingdom Remain Negative
Italy Says "Not Possible Immediately... More Time Needed"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted U.S. President Donald Trump's invitation to join the Gaza Peace Committee.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel. Photo by AP Yonhap News

On January 21 (local time), the Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced in a statement, "Prime Minister Netanyahu has accepted President Trump's invitation and will become a member of the Peace Committee, which will be composed of world leaders."

The Peace Committee, chaired directly by President Trump, will serve as the highest decision-making body governing the Gaza Strip until the end of the conflict and the completion of reconstruction. President Trump is also considering expanding the committee's functions to address issues in other regions and establishing an international organization to replace the United Nations.

Among the approximately 60 countries initially invited, leaders from about 10 countries-including Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Hungary, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Morocco, Bahrain, and Vietnam-have decided to participate. With Saudi Arabia, T?rkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially accepting the invitation through a joint statement on the same day, the number of participating countries now stands at around 20.

In contrast, Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos that France, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden would not accept positions on the Peace Committee. The United Kingdom is also reportedly negative toward participation.

However, Italy has put its participation on hold for now but has expressed positive interest. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a local broadcast interview regarding the Gaza Peace Committee invitation, "It is impossible to sign immediately tomorrow; more time is needed," adding, "Italy could play its own role in establishing a Middle East peace plan and developing solutions and visions."

South Korea has also been invited to the Peace Committee and is currently reviewing whether to participate.