Turkey's Fidan calls Gaza 'Board of Peace' a historic opportunity

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has characterized the newly established "Board of Peace" for Gaza as a "historic opportunity" to achieve a durable regional peace. His remarks came after representing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the charter signing ceremony for the board in Davos, Switzerland.

Türkiye's vision for a lasting and inclusive peace

In a statement on the social media platform NSosyal, Minister Fidan outlined the board's potential. He stated it offers a pivotal chance to "alleviate the longstanding suffering of the people of Gaza, meet their humanitarian needs, and establish a lasting and inclusive peace in the region." Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye's steadfast conviction that a future is possible where Gazans' voices are heard, their rights protected, and they can live in security. He expressed confidence that the board would be instrumental in shaping this future.

A framework for postwar governance and recovery

The "Board of Peace" is a central component of the international framework for Gaza's postwar transition. It was announced by the White House last week alongside other administrative bodies, including a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. Its creation aligns with the launch of the second phase of a ceasefire agreement that halted Israel's military campaign, a conflict that has resulted in over 71,000 Palestinian fatalities and 171,000 injuries since October 2023, according to local health authorities.

Türkiye's active and founding role in the process

President Erdoğan is a founding member of the board, underscoring Türkiye's proactive diplomatic engagement. Minister Fidan, who attended the Davos ceremony on Erdoğan's behalf, emphasized a collaborative approach. "We believe that by working shoulder to shoulder with the people of Gaza, the Board of Peace will play a strong role in shaping Gaza’s future, helping the region stand back on its feet, and allowing peace to take root," he noted. The initiative stems from a U.S.-proposed plan later adopted by the UN Security Council, positioning Türkiye as a key regional actor within this internationally endorsed process.