EU to engage Trump's 'Board of Peace' despite internal split

The European Union plans to engage with US President Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace' for Gaza, with diplomats scheduled to meet the board's director. This decision has created an internal split within the EU, as France has questioned the board's mandate and the European Commission's authority to participate. The European Commission defended sending an observer to the inaugural meeting, an action also taken by twelve other member states including Germany and Italy. The engagement comes amid criticism from some European leaders who accuse the initiative of bypassing the United Nations' mandate.