There is some confusion over whether Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will join Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” (BOP) for Gaza. But the question is: should he do so? What are the advantages or disadvantages for Canada? And how could Carney’s participation help the people of Gaza? Read more.

On Saturday, January 17th CBC reported that Prime Minister Carney had accepted an invitation from Donald Trump to join his “Board of Peace”.

“Prime Minister Mark Carney has been asked by U.S. President Donald Trump to join the “Board of Peace” that will supervise the temporary governance of the Gaza Strip, a senior Canadian official told journalists travelling with the prime minister on his overseas trip. Carney will accept the invitation, the official said.”

The official was not identified by CBC, and so far there has been no statement directly from the PM, other than to confirm that he discussed the idea with Trump a couple of weeks ago, and he is still reflecting on it.

However, that afternoon, the White House released a statement outlining the structure of the board of peace and the composition of its key decisionmaking bodies. Carney’s name was not listed, although it mentioned the possibility that additional names might be added.

If Carney accepts, and by doing so, de facto endorsing Trump’s plan, it would be harmful to the Palestinians. If he leans in on behalf of Palestinian rights, it could be costly for Canada.  

Why would Carney say “yes”?

1. On the face of it, its pretty hard for Canada to resist a direct invitation from Trump on one of his “signature” projects. Mr. Carney is already in a very difficult series of tensions with the Trump administration over Greenland, trade with China and the upcoming negotiation about the renewal (or not) of the Canada/USA/Mexico trade agreement. Turning Trump down would add a new layer of complication.
2. It is possible that Carney might be able to play a stabilizing role in a very unstable situation. Canada wants to project a positive image on the world stage and joining others in trying to resolve the Israel/Gaza issue might help. “Carney can bring a lot to the table which would help bring some sense to this crazy board and protect the Palestinians interest, maximize their priorities and minimize the crazy things Trump wants to do‘, a retired senior Canadian diplomat told CTIP.
3. The BOP was endorsed by the Palestinian Authority and by the UN Security Council (13 votes in favour and 2 abstentions, Russia and China). To not attempt to ensure that a major UN-authorized project is successful, would be seen as being less than helpful to many, not just to the Trump team.

Why he might say “no”

There are many reasons that Carney might (graciously) decline the Trump offer.

1.  Membership implies approval of, and involvement, in a strategy that we have not devised and may well founder. Carney could be associated with an endeavour he has little control over.
2. The BOP was to come into effect after the ceasefire was called. But the genocide hasn’t stopped. Since the “ceasefire” was declared, Israel has killed over 400 more Palestinians and continues to do so every day.
3. The BOP plan calls for Hamas to be disarmed, but so far there is no plan and no volunteers to do so. In any event the BOP project of disarming Hamas while leaving Israel armed to the teeth seems an unbalanced approach to peace.
4. There is no mention of Palestinian representation on the Board of Peace. Any structure that does not take into account Palestinian national aspirations is likely to fail, notes an Aljazeera editorial.
5. The BOP is filled with Trump-named billionaires who have no evident interest in equality or justice.
6. The operating structure is also unbalanced. Trump has already given responsibility for day to day strategy and operations to two senior US Zionists – Aryeh Lightstone and Josh Gruenbaum.
7. Apart from a fading “boy scout” reputation, what “expertise” does Canada bring to the equation?
8. It seems that all board members will be called upon to contribute a lot of money (a billion US each has been mentioned) at a time when Canada’s finances are stretched like a piano wire.
9. Carney already has quite a bit on his plate. While no doubt a very talented man, his energies and attention are very much needed in Canada.

What should Carney do?

OFIP urges caution. Carney might demur taking a decision right away. The White House has outlined an elaborate structure with portfolios and subcommittees. It seems lots of people have been invited, but so far, rather few takers other than people close to Trump. He might wait to see who else has signed up and what the responsibilities of each are. “The PM should have a clear view of how Canada perceives the work at hand before raising his hand”, noted a experienced Canadian diplomat.

Carney needs to manage his difficult relation with US President Trump. But he might opt to find a better way to contribute to a just resolution of the Israel/Palestine issue.

Canada Talks Israel Palestine is the weekly newsletter of the Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine (OFIP). It aims to promote a serious discussion about Canada’s response to the Israel/Palestine issue. Readers with different points of view are invited to make comment.
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