US President Trump invites Putin to Gaza peace initiative amid ongoing conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been formally invited to join a proposed “board of peace” chaired by US President Donald Trump, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The invitation was extended as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues and efforts to reach a peace deal remain stalled.

The board is intended to resolve global conflicts and oversee governance and reconstruction in Gaza. Trump had previously expressed his desire to end the war in Gaza, claiming he could achieve it within 24 hours of taking office last year. However, progress has been slow, with ongoing negotiations and a prolonged period of conflict on the ground.

Peskov stated that Russia is seeking to “clarify all the nuances” of the offer from Washington without providing further details on Putin’s potential involvement. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin, has also reportedly received an invitation to join the board.

The proposed governance structure consists of representatives from around the world, including the US, Europe, and Arab countries. However, some experts have raised concerns about the composition of the board, citing the inclusion of pro-Israel officials and polarizing figures in the region at the top tier, while Palestinians are relegated to a lower tier with municipal duties.

The Kremlin has previously expressed criticism towards Israel’s war on Gaza, calling for restraint and describing the situation as a “humanitarian catastrophe.” Russia has sought to balance its relations with major players in the Middle East, including Israel and the Palestinians.

Source: Al Jazeera