Turkish FM to attend Gaza peace board charter signing

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will travel to Switzerland to participate in the formal signing ceremony for the charter of the Gaza "Board of Peace," a U.S.-led initiative. The Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that Fidan will attend the event on Thursday, acting on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Türkiye's Engagement with the Initiative

The ministry's statement confirms Ankara's formal participation in the diplomatic process surrounding the newly established board. The decision for Fidan to represent the president underscores the importance Türkiye places on having a voice in frameworks that aim to shape Gaza's future, aligning with its persistent advocacy for the Palestinian cause and a just resolution to the conflict.

Context of the Board's Formation and Goals

The White House announced the creation of the Board of Peace last week, alongside a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, as part of a structure to manage the enclave's transitional phase following the recent ceasefire. The board's establishment coincided with the start of the second phase of a truce that halted hostilities which, since October 2023, have resulted in extensive Palestinian casualties. The initiative is based on a 20-point plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and later adopted by the UN Security Council in a resolution last November.

Strategic Implications and Türkiye's Role

Türkiye's involvement signals a cautious engagement with a U.S.-driven process, while maintaining its own distinct priorities for Gaza, including the end of the humanitarian catastrophe, reconstruction, and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. By participating, Ankara aims to ensure its perspectives are integrated and to advocate for outcomes that address the root causes of the conflict. The effectiveness and inclusivity of the board, particularly regarding Palestinian representation, will be key factors in its long-term legitimacy and success.