On January 19, US President Donald Trump said that French President Emmanuel Macron's refusal to participate in the "Peace Council" on Gaza was not important, warning that Paris's actions could lead to a new wave of tariffs from Washington.
The agency chaired by President Trump - designed to monitor the transition period in the Gaza Strip devastated by the war - will include a number of US officials and businessmen.
The invitation was also sent to many world leaders, but France publicly refused. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that "the Charter of the Peace Council goes beyond Gaza, so it goes beyond the framework of the peace plan approved by the United Nations".
When reporters announced that Mr. Macron, who will retire next year, had refused the invitation, Mr. Trump replied: "No one wants him, because he is about to leave office.
If they show hostility, I will impose a 200% tax on French wine and champagne. Then he will join. But he doesn't necessarily have to join," the US leader added.
Relations between the US and Western and Northern European countries are tense due to Mr. Trump's efforts to seize control of Greenland from Denmark, which he said would happen "easily or difficultly". Last week, Mr. Trump announced tax rates for countries opposing this plan, including France.
According to international media, the US imagines the Peace Council as a standing body, with temporary membership extended based on contributions of at least $1 billion. Previously, the Trump administration cut funding for many UN programs, saying that this organization often operates against US interests.
Russia confirmed that it has received an invitation for President Vladimir Putin to participate in the council, and said it needs time to study this proposal.
