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South Korea Joins Trump's Gaza Peace Board as Observer in First Meeting

South Korea has participated as an observer in the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace for Gaza, an initiative proposed by US President Donald Trump. The government expressed support for Trump's leading efforts to enhance peace in the region while stating it will prudently review official membership. The board, which includes figures like Marco Rubio and Tony Blair, aims to broaden its scope to other global conflicts. However, its establishment faces criticism over the lack of Palestinian representation and the refusal of major powers like India and China to join.

Key Points: S. Korea Attends First Meeting of Trump's Gaza Peace Board

  • S. Korea attended as observer
  • Over two dozen countries joined
  • Board may expand to global conflicts
  • Major powers like India declined
  • Palestinian voice absence debated
2 min read

South Korea attends inaugural meeting of Trump's peace board for Gaza

South Korea participates as observer in inaugural meeting of US-proposed Board of Peace for Gaza, supporting Trump's efforts for Middle East peace.

"We plan to continue to join efforts for Middle East peace and security by the international community. - South Korean Foreign Ministry"

Seoul, Feb 20

South Korea has joined the first meeting of the Board of Peace for Gaza proposed by US President Donald Trump, the foreign ministry said Friday, reaffirming its support for efforts to enhance peace in the war-torn region.

Former Ambassador to Egypt Kim Yong-hyon attended the meeting held in Washington on Thursday (local time) as an observer, according to the ministry.

More than two dozen countries have joined the Board of Peace, an organization leading efforts for peace in Gaza. South Korea is not a member, Yonhap news agency reported.

"Including the participation in the inaugural meeting, the government has supported President Trump's leading efforts to enhance peace at Gaza," the ministry said. "We plan to continue to join efforts for Middle East peace and security by the international community."

When asked about the possibility of South Korea officially joining the initiative as a member, ministry spokesperson Park Il said Thursday the government will "prudently review" the matter to "take everything into consideration."

Originally proposed to address the conflict in Gaza, the board intends to broaden its scope to other global conflicts, limiting member states to three-year terms unless substantial funding is provided for permanent membership. Key figures such as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair have joined the executive board.

Despite the board's ambitious goals, several major powers, including Brazil, India, and China, have declined involvement, citing various reservations. Its establishment has sparked debate over the absence of a Palestinian voice and the inclusion of controversial countries, raising questions about its effectiveness and future impact.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The article mentions the absence of a Palestinian voice. How can there be a "Board of Peace" without the main stakeholders at the table? This feels like a top-down approach that might not address ground realities. 🤔
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Aman W
Good to see South Korea engaging globally. But the funding clause is concerning – permanent membership for those who pay? That's not how peace should work. It should be about commitment, not chequebooks.
S
Sarah B
With India, China, and Brazil not joining, it shows this initiative lacks broad global consensus. Major powers are skeptical for a reason. South Korea is being cautious as an observer, which is smart diplomacy.
V
Vikram M
The Middle East needs peace, no doubt. But any solution must come from within the region, supported neutrally by the world. A board led by a single nation's former president might not be seen as impartial. Jai Hind.
K
Kavya N
Hoping for the best for the people of Gaza. 🙏 Any effort for peace is welcome, but the structure and membership rules need to be more inclusive and transparent to gain real trust and effectiveness.

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