Varsen Aghabekian (PTI image)Palestinian FM Shahin Calls India Key Mediator In Israel Conflict, Cites 'Good' Ties With Both SidesIndia Can Be Pivotal In Peace And Two-State Solution, Says Palestine AmbassadorPalestine’s foreign minister Varsen Aghabekian on Friday said that India would decide on joining the proposed Gaza “Board of Peace” in line with its own understanding of peace. She further stressed that any genuine effort to end the conflict should be welcomed.Speaking on the US-backed initiative announced by President Donald Trump, Aghabekian said, “India will decide in line with its understanding of peace, international law. Each country can decide on its own, and each country would look at its interests”.Aghabekian underlined that the participation in the proposed body should be guided by national priorities and respect for international norms.Welcoming diplomatic efforts to end the Gaza war, the Palestinian minister said that any attempt to forge peace was positive. The plan also includes deploying an international stabilisation force and training selected Palestinian police units.Confirmed members of the 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 aide Robert Gabriel.A separate Gaza Executive Board will support implementation on the ground, with participation from international diplomats and regional representatives, including from Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.Apart from India, countries such as Argentina, Canada, Egypt, Turkey, Albania and Cyprus have been invited. Pakistan has also confirmed receiving an invitation, with its foreign office saying that Islamabad would continue supporting international efforts for peace and security in Gaza.According to a Bloomberg report, a draft charter of the Trump-led Board of Peace proposes that countries contribute $1 billion to secure long-term membership, with the US president retaining authority over membership and final decision-making.

Source: International New York Times January 30, 2026 12:22 UTC