US President Donald Trump has invited Turkiye’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egypt’s Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to join Gaza’s Board of Peace. The board will oversee Gaza’s temporary governance. This comes amid a fragile ceasefire in place since October.
Earlier, the White House announced an executive panel to implement Trump’s Gaza peace plan. The panel includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio and World Bank President Ajay Banga. Former British prime minister Tony Blair and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan are also members.
Read more: Trump names board to oversee Gaza governance
Meanwhile, Turkiye confirmed receiving Trump’s invitation letter for Erdogan. At the same time, Egypt said it is reviewing the invitation sent to President Sisi. Officials stressed that consultations are ongoing before any final decision.
Separately, Tony Blair welcomed his appointment to the board. He thanked Trump for forming the Board of Peace. He said he felt honoured to support Gaza’s reconstruction and transition efforts.
Read more: US moves to ‘second phase’ of Gaza plan with new Board of Peace
However, tensions remain on the ground despite the ceasefire. Hamas has not disarmed or returned the final hostage remains. As a result, sporadic clashes and airstrikes continue, leaving Gaza’s long-term peace uncertain.