India will decide independently: Palestine FM on Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ invitation

Speaking on Friday about the US-backed initiative announced by President Donald Trump, Aghabekian underlined that participation in the proposed body was a sovereign choice for each country.

She stressed that national interests and adherence to international norms would shape decisions on involvement.

“India will decide in line with its understanding of peace and international law,” Aghabekian said, adding that every country must evaluate such proposals through its own priorities.

Palestine warns against pressure

While welcoming diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the Gaza conflict, the Palestinian minister cautioned against external pressure influencing international responses.

She said any sincere effort to bring the war to an end should be viewed positively, but stressed that peace cannot be imposed.

Aghabekian reiterated that meaningful progress requires respect for international law and the collective will of affected parties, rather than unilateral frameworks.

Remarks on Pakistan and Israel’s role

Commenting on reports that Pakistan has also been invited to join the proposed body, Aghabekian said Israel should not dictate what is acceptable to the international community.

She argued that decisions regarding participation must remain free from political coercion.

She also flagged broader regional concerns, noting that instability across West Asia—including rising tensions between the United States and Iran—posed risks for Gaza and the wider region.

Trump’s Gaza plan

The comments come days after Trump announced the formation of a “Board of Peace” to oversee post-war governance and reconstruction in Gaza, describing it as a central element of the second phase of Washington’s plan to end the conflict.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump called the proposed body the “greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled.”

According to the White House, the Board of Peace is envisioned as a new international organisation and transitional governing authority for Gaza, tasked with governance reforms, reconstruction, economic investment and long-term stability.

India yet to respond

India has formally received an invitation to join the proposed board but has neither accepted nor rejected the offer.

In a letter shared by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, Trump said the initiative was part of a broader 20-point “Comprehensive Plan” for Gaza, first unveiled in September last year and later endorsed by the UN Security Council through Resolution 2803 in November.

Parallel Palestinian governance structure planned

Alongside the Board of Peace, Washington has announced plans for a 15-member Palestinian technocratic body, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which would manage day-to-day governance once hostilities end.

The committee is expected to operate under the board’s supervision.

The plan also provides for the deployment of an international stabilisation force and training of selected Palestinian police units.

Confirmed members and international participation

Confirmed members of the proposed Board of Peace include 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, and senior US National Security Council official Robert Gabriel.

A separate Gaza Executive Board will oversee implementation on the ground, with participation from diplomats and regional representatives, including Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Apart from India, invitations have been extended to countries such as Argentina, Canada, Egypt, Turkey, Albania and Cyprus.

Pakistan has confirmed receiving an invitation, with its foreign office stating that Islamabad would continue to support international efforts aimed at peace and security in Gaza.

Funding and governance questions

According to a Bloomberg report, a draft charter of the Trump-led initiative proposes a $1 billion contribution from participating countries to secure long-term membership.

The draft also suggests that the US president would retain authority over membership decisions and final approvals.

As New Delhi weighs its options, Palestinian officials maintain that any lasting solution for Gaza must be rooted in international law, regional stability and genuine multilateral consensus.