**Nicosia, Cyprus** – President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus has reportedly received an invitation from former US President Donald Trump to join a newly established “Gaza Board of Peace,” a body intended to spearhead international efforts towards the stabilization and governance of Gaza. Cyprus is slated to be among the 25 nations designated as founding members of this council, which represents a significant component of the second phase of Trump’s broader peace initiative for the region. The news, which surfaced on Saturday, suggests a move to formalise international engagement with the complex situation in Gaza, aiming to foster a pathway towards lasting peace and security.
The initiative, announced by the White House on the same day reports of the invitation to Nicosia emerged, outlines a multi-phased approach to addressing the protracted conflict. The Gaza Board of Peace is envisioned as a crucial mechanism for providing international oversight on a temporary governance framework for Gaza, thereby supporting much-needed stabilisation efforts. This development places Cyprus at the forefront of a potentially transformative, albeit controversial, diplomatic undertaking, underscoring its growing international profile, particularly within the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East spheres.
Details emerging from the US indicate that the invitation was formally extended to President Christodoulides via a letter from President Trump. The structure of the Gaza Board of Peace is designed to include a foundational executive board comprising seven prominent individuals. Among those reportedly slated for these key roles are US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, and World Bank president Ajay Banga. Furthermore, Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov has been appointed as the High Representative for Gaza, tasked with acting as a conduit between the Board of Peace and a newly formed Palestinian national committee responsible for administering Gaza. A separate “Gaza Executive Board” has also been constituted as part of this overarching plan.
The rationale behind the formation of the Gaza Board of Peace, according to its proponents, is to facilitate a more coordinated and effective approach to governing Gaza during a transitional period. The ultimate objective is to promote peace, stability, and ultimately, prosperity for the Palestinian population in the region. While the invitation to Cyprus is being viewed by some as a testament to its diplomatic relevance and its capacity to contribute to regional stability, the broader peace plan has not been without its detractors.
Criticism has been voiced by various quarters, with some observers characterising the plan as potentially impositive, lacking explicit Palestinian endorsement. Concerns have also been raised regarding the suitability of certain individuals appointed to senior roles, citing past actions and the historical context of their involvement in the region. Notably, no Palestinian individuals have been publicly identified as members of the senior boards revealed thus far, a point that has amplified concerns about the inclusivity and legitimacy of the proposed governance structure. Nevertheless, the Cyprus foreign ministry has indicated its willingness to engage, stating that the government “will continue actively complementing efforts, in cooperation with international and regional partners, toward sustainable peace and security.” This suggests a commitment from Nicosia to play a constructive role, provided the broader framework proves amenable to international norms and regional realities.