Palestine Foreign Minister: India to Decide on Gaza 'Board of Peace' Based on Its Own Peace Principles
Palestine's Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian stated on Friday that India would make its decision regarding participation in the proposed Gaza "Board of Peace" in alignment with its own understanding of peace and international law. She emphasized that any genuine effort to end the ongoing conflict should be welcomed by the international community.
India's Decision Based on National Priorities
Speaking about the US-backed initiative announced by President Donald Trump, Aghabekian remarked, "India will decide in line with its understanding of peace and international law. Each country can decide on its own, and each country would look at its interests." She underlined that participation in the proposed body should be guided by national priorities and respect for established international norms.
The Palestinian minister welcomed diplomatic efforts to end the Gaza war, stating that any attempt to forge peace was positive. However, she simultaneously cautioned against external pressure shaping global responses to the conflict. Commenting on Pakistan's reported inclusion in the proposed body, Aghabekian asserted that Israel must stop dictating what is acceptable to the international community.
Broader Regional Concerns and US Initiative Details
Aghabekian also flagged broader regional risks, observing that continued instability—including tensions between the United States and Iran—was a concern for all countries and had direct implications for Gaza and the wider West Asian region.
These remarks follow Trump's announcement regarding the formation of a "Board of Peace" to oversee post-war governance and reconstruction in Gaza. He described this as a key step in the second phase of a US-backed plan to end the conflict, calling it the "greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled" in a post on Truth Social.
According to the White House, the Board of Peace will function as:
- A new international organization
- A transitional governing authority for Gaza
- An entity focusing on governance reform, reconstruction, economic investment, and long-term stability
India's Position and International Participation
India has been formally invited to join the proposed board through a letter shared by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Trump indicated this initiative was part of a broader 20-point "Comprehensive Plan" to end the Gaza conflict, first announced in September last year and later endorsed by the UN Security Council through Resolution 2803 in November.
New Delhi has received the invitation but has not officially accepted or rejected the offer at this time.
Alongside the Board of Peace, Washington has announced the formation of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic body—the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza—which will manage day-to-day governance once hostilities cease. This committee is expected to operate under the supervision of the proposed board. The plan also includes deploying an international stabilization force and training selected Palestinian police units.
Confirmed Members and Invited Nations
Confirmed members of the Board of Peace include several prominent international figures:
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Trump's special negotiator Steve Witkoff
- Jared Kushner
- Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair
- US financier Marc Rowan
- World Bank President Ajay Banga
- Senior US National Security Council aide Robert Gabriel
A separate Gaza Executive Board will support implementation on the ground, with participation from international diplomats and regional representatives including from Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates.
Apart from India, several other countries have received invitations including Argentina, Canada, Egypt, Turkey, Albania, and Cyprus. Pakistan has confirmed receiving an invitation, with its foreign office stating that Islamabad would continue supporting international efforts for peace and security in Gaza.
Financial Requirements and Governance Structure
According to a Bloomberg report, a draft charter of the Trump-led Board of Peace proposes that countries contribute $1 billion to secure long-term membership. The charter reportedly grants the US president authority over membership decisions and final decision-making within the organization.
The initiative represents one of the most comprehensive international efforts to address the Gaza conflict's aftermath, though its implementation and acceptance by key regional players remain subjects of ongoing diplomatic discussion and negotiation.
