Hungary has agreed to participate in a proposed “Peace Board” for Gaza, an initiative led by U.S. President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced the acceptance of Trump’s invitation, which follows a similar foundational offer extended to Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan last month.
Orban Accepts the Invitation
Orban shared the formal invitation letter on social media, stating he considered it “an honor” to accept. The board is part of the second phase of a 20-point Gaza plan, announced by Trump’s Middle East Special Representative Steve Witkoff on January 14. The structure is reported to include three main bodies: a “Peace Board,” a “Peace Board Executive Committee,” and a “Gaza Administration Board.”
Türkiye’s Role in the Framework
President Erdoğan was invited earlier as a founding member, with a prospective role in Gaza’s reconstruction and security. The inclusion of both Türkiye and Hungary points to a diplomatic strategy seeking involvement from nations with distinct foreign policy approaches. The development underscores Türkiye’s continued central role in discussions concerning the Middle East and Gaza’s future.
Context of the Diplomatic Push
The “Peace Board” concept emerges amidst efforts to address the aftermath of the conflict in Gaza. While details on operational scope and broader international recognition remain unclear, the invitations signal Trump’s attempt to forge an alternative diplomatic framework. The response from other global powers and the current U.S. administration to this private-sector-style initiative is yet to be seen.