"In the current circumstances, Poland will not participate in the work of the Peace Council,” Tusk said during a government session in Warsaw. "We have significant concerns regarding the council’s structure, its operational model and the scope of its powers. We will continue to examine the matter carefully, but at this stage the decision is not to participate.”

The council’s charter was formally signed in January 2026 on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos. According to U.S. officials, the body is intended to function as a multilateral framework coordinating Gaza’s reconstruction, overseeing a transitional phase following military operations and ensuring that Hamas does not return to power in the enclave.

Reporting by Axios indicates that 27 member states have joined the initiative to date. Its first meeting is scheduled for February 19, where participants are expected to discuss implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and mechanisms for mobilizing reconstruction funding.

Poland’s position aligns with a broader pattern of European caution. Governments in France, Spain, Norway, Croatia, Germany and Sweden have either declined invitations or expressed reservations, raising questions about the council’s legal basis, its relationship with United Nations mechanisms and charter provisions granting the U.S. president veto authority over decisions.

President Trump has said the council aims to ensure Gaza is "demilitarized and rebuilt beautifully,” presenting it as a security-focused reconstruction mechanism amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.