Bahrain, the UAE, and several other regional powers have officially accepted invitations from US President Donald Trump to join the “Board of Peace” for Gaza. The initiative aims to implement a 20-point peace plan to solidify a permanent ceasefire and oversee the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

Regional Coalition Formed

In a joint statement released Wednesday, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, and the UAE confirmed their participation. Each nation will now begin the legal procedures required to sign the formal accession documents. These countries committed to supporting the board’s mission of stabilising the territory following the ceasefire established in October.

Bahrain’s Commitment to the 20-Point Plan

Bahrain’s King Hamad confirmed the Kingdom’s membership on Monday. The Bahraini Foreign Ministry stated that the decision aligns with the country’s goal to protect the “legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.” Authorities expressed hope that the board would successfully promote regional cooperation and economic development.

The Board’s Leadership and Mandate

The White House recently announced the board’s leadership, which includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Jared Kushner, the US President’s son-in-law, will also serve on the council.

In mid-November, a UN Security Council resolution authorised the Board of Peace to establish an international stabilisation force in Gaza. This force will work alongside the board to maintain the truce agreed upon by Israel and Hamas.

Diplomatic Context

The UAE and Bahrain were among the first regional nations to join the initiative. Both countries normalised relations with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords. Their early inclusion in the Board of Peace highlights their key roles as US allies in regional security efforts. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed emphasised that the board’s primary focus remains the full implementation of the peace framework to ensure long-term stability.

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