In a surprising diplomatic move, former US President Donald Trump has reached out to the leaders of Turkiye and Egypt, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, respectively, inviting them to join a “board of peace” to oversee the temporary governance of the Gaza Strip. This comes as the region remains under a fragile ceasefire since October.
Trump’s proposal, made public through a statement released by his team, suggests that the three leaders would form a council to supervise the affairs of Gaza, which has been embroiled in conflict for years. The former president believes that the involvement of Turkiye and Egypt, both regional powers with significant influence, could help stabilise the situation and pave the way for a lasting peace.
“President Trump believes that bringing together the leaders of Turkiye and Egypt, along with the United States, could provide the necessary framework to address the complex issues in Gaza,” the statement read. “As nations with a vested interest in the region’s stability, their collective wisdom and influence could be instrumental in guiding the territory towards a more peaceful future.”
The proposal has been met with a mix of reactions from various stakeholders. While some have welcomed the initiative as a potential breakthrough in the long-standing conflict, others have expressed scepticism about the feasibility and impartiality of such an arrangement.
“Involving regional powers like Turkiye and Egypt could be a positive step, but the true test will be whether all parties, including Hamas and Israel, are willing to engage constructively,” said Middle East analyst, Dr. Sarah Mahmoud. “The devil will be in the details, and it remains to be seen if this proposal can overcome the deep-rooted divisions and mistrust that have plagued the region for decades.”
Critics have also raised concerns about the role of the United States, given its longstanding support for Israel and its perceived bias in the conflict. They argue that the inclusion of the US on the proposed “board of peace” may not be viewed as a neutral arbiter by all parties involved.
Despite the mixed reactions, the former president’s initiative has reignited discussions about finding a diplomatic solution to the Gaza crisis. As the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of recent hostilities, the prospect of a trilateral council overseeing the temporary governance of Gaza has become a topic of intense scrutiny and debate.
