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Countries Accept Participation in 'Peace Council': Joint Statement

Published January 22, 2026, 09:31
Countries Accept Participation in 'Peace Council': Joint Statement

Eight countries, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, have announced their acceptance of US President Donald Trump's invitation to join the new 'Peace Council' for Gaza. This move is part of a 20-page plan by the US government to end the conflict, which envisions a transition from ceasefire to disarmament, technocratic administration, and reconstruction. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is among the Council members, with responsibility for governance and support for essential services in Gaza. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was also invited as a founding member of the scheme. The joint statement from the eight countries expresses their satisfaction with the invitation, while emphasizing that each state will follow the necessary internal legal procedures for its formal participation. US Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, announced the launch of the second phase of the plan, which focuses on peaceful transition and the restoration of Gaza.