SRINAGAR: A group of Arab and Islamic countries said they would participate in US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace,” an initiative aimed at stabilising and rebuilding the Gaza Strip, according to a BBC report.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministries of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates said they had accepted Trump’s invitation to join the body, Reuters reported.
The eight nations reaffirmed their support for the US-led peace push and said they would back the board’s role as a transitional governing mechanism under a wider plan to bring the Gaza conflict to an end.
According to the statement, the initiative aims to secure a lasting ceasefire, assist in Gaza’s reconstruction and work towards a just and durable peace based on the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood under international law, with the goal of ensuring regional stability.
Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said the region was moving in a positive direction, adding that broad support was emerging for Trump’s proposal.
Witkoff also said Iran must engage in diplomacy, stressing that regional stability depends on Tehran’s participation in talks.
Trump has repeatedly urged Iran’s leadership to end its crackdown on protesters, warning of strong action if executions continue and encouraging demonstrators to persist.
Earlier this week, organisers of the Davos forum withdrew an invitation to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, citing civilian deaths in recent unrest. Araghchi criticised the decision, accusing the forum of applying double standards.
European leaders attending Davos, meanwhile, appeared cautious about joining the Gaza peace board, with several reportedly considering whether to decline the invitation.
Further announcements on participation are expected on Thursday as diplomatic discussions continue in Davos, with countries assessing how the proposed board may affect existing UN-led initiatives.
