UAE President accepts US invitation to join Gaza Board of Peace

President Sheikh Mohamed has accepted an invitation from the United States to join the Board of Peace, a body formed under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the decision reflects the importance of fully implementing Mr Trump’s plan. He said this was critical for the realisation of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

Sheikh Abdullah also expressed confidence in Mr Trump’s leadership and commitment to global peace, adding that the UAE is ready to contribute actively to the mission of the Board of Peace and support greater co-operation, stability and prosperity for all.

Yousef Al Otaiba, Minister of State and the UAE’s ambassador to the US, said Sheikh Mohamed’s decision highlighted the country’s long-standing diplomatic approach.

"We believe that lasting peace requires serious leadership, coordinated international action and a clear path that delivers security, dignity and opportunity for all, especially the Palestinian people", Mr Al Otaiba said.

"The UAE stands ready to work closely with the United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump and with regional and international partners to help implement a comprehensive peace plan that supports stability and peace for Gaza and the wider region".

The Board of Peace is described by the US as a central element of Mr Trump’s peace plan. It is tasked with overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction and supporting an interim Palestinian government. Led by Mr Trump, the board is responsible for supervising the second phase of a fragile ceasefire.

Plans for the second phase include disarming Hamas and rebuilding Gaza following Israel’s two-year war. An executive board includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff and former UK prime minister Tony Blair. A committee of Palestinian technocrats has also begun work, taking interim responsibility for Gaza’s day-to-day administration.

The White House said the board would “play an essential role in fulfilling all 20 points of the President’s plan, providing strategic oversight, mobilising international resources and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development".

Mr Trump announced the formation of the Gaza Board of Peace last week, with invitations sent to 60 countries. He is reported to be seeking formal approval for the board at the Davos forum on Thursday.

The US also announced the launch of the second phase of the Gaza peace plan last week, despite some criteria from the first stage remaining unmet. The phase establishes a “transitional technocratic Palestinian administration”, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and begins the full demilitarisation and reconstruction of the territory.