JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday accepted US President Donald Trump's invitation to join the so-called "Board of Peace", an initiative that aims initially to end the conflict in Gaza but which could then be expanded to tackle conflicts elsewhere, Netanyahu office posted on X.
Earlier, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had accepted an invitation from the United States to join the Board of Peace.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the move, highlighting its significance in advancing global peace and stability.
The Board of Peace, initially conceived to oversee the reconstruction of Palestinian territories, particularly Gaza, does not appear to restrict its mandate solely to the region.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed emphasised that the UAE’s participation underscores its commitment to fully implementing President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, considered crucial for safeguarding the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
Abu Dhabi’s acceptance comes as governments worldwide react cautiously to Trump’s plan, which aims to begin with the Gaza conflict before widening to tackle other conflicts, according to a copy of the letter and draft charter seen by Reuters.
Some leaders offered ambiguous responses. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her country was ready to do its part, while Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa had agreed in principle pending further details.
The inclusion of a ‘charter’ in the invitation letter triggered concerns among some European governments that it could undermine the work of the United Nations, which Trump has accused of not supporting his efforts to end conflicts around the world.
Hungary has also issued an unequivocal acceptance, while most governments have refrained from public comment, voicing concerns privately about the plan’s implications for the UN’s authority.