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Mexico declines Trump’s Gaza Peace Board and reaffirms support for Palestine

By Eman Abusidu / Middle East Monitor, 17 Feb 26, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20260218-mexico-declines-trumps-gaza-peace-board-and-reaffirms-support-for-palestine/

Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, reaffirmed this week her long-standing position with Gaza and Palestine as she declined an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join his newly established Board of Peace, while reinforcing Mexico’s economic strategy with Canada and its commitment to key trade agreements.

Speaking at her regular morning press conference, Sheinbaum confirmed that Mexico would not become a member of the Board of Peace, an initiative launched by Trump to oversee reconstruction and stabilisation efforts in Gaza. She explained that Mexico’s decision is rooted in its longstanding recognition of Palestine as a state. In her view, any credible peace effort in the Middle East must include representation from both Israel and Palestine.

Mexico will instead attend the inaugural session as an observer through its ambassador to the United Nations, signaling that it is not withdrawing from dialogue but insisting on inclusive diplomatic frameworks.

“The participation of both states, Israel and Palestine, is important. But that is not how it is being set out in the meeting,” Sheinbaum said.

“It’s being proposed that we go [to the meeting] as observers. So, our ambassador to the United Nations will probably go as an observer,” she added.

“The White House’s initiative, and Mexico’s decision to stay out of it, come at a time of already heightened tensions between Mexico City and Washington over trade, security cooperation and broader regional policy differences.“

The move also coincides with speculation surrounding the upcoming trilateral review of the
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), after a reporter noted concerns that the United States could potentially withdraw from the agreement and suggested that Mexico may be exploring a “plan B” with Canada.

“More than a plan B, we’re strengthening our relationship with Canada,” She said.

Sheinbaum shifted focus to economic priorities, stressing that Mexico is strengthening ties with Canada ahead of the USMCA review rather than preparing a fallback plan. Officials from both countries are advancing efforts to expand trade, boost bilateral investment and reinforce supply chains. 

February 21, 2026 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized