Pakistan, Arab, Asian states join US-led Gaza peace mechanism, Netanyahu’s participation criticized
Washington: A group of countries from the Middle East and Asia have agreed to participate in a United States-backed peace mechanism for Gaza, endorsing efforts led by US President Donald Trump to work towards a permanent ceasefire and a political resolution to the conflict.
Al Jazeera reported that in a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar confirmed their decision to join what has been described as a “board of peace” for the Gaza Strip. The ministers said their participation reflects support for initiatives aimed at ending hostilities, facilitating reconstruction in the war-hit territory and advancing a lasting settlement based on Palestinian self-determination and statehood under international law.
Kuwait later announced that it had also accepted Washington’s invitation to be part of the proposed body.
The developments come shortly after the White House disclosed details of the peace board, which forms part of a broader plan announced by President Trump to bring an end to Israel’s war in Gaza. The mechanism is expected to supervise a Palestinian technocratic committee that would handle the enclave’s administrative affairs.
According to US officials, the board will include senior presidential advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The composition of the body and the role envisaged for Israel have drawn scrutiny, particularly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that he would take part in the process.
With the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against Netanyahu for war crimes, residents in Gaza have questioned about the initiative's reliability, while noting ongoing Israeli military operations and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Abu Ramzi al-Sandawi, a resident of Gaza City, rejected Netanyahu’s participation, holding him responsible for the devastation in the enclave and describing him as the central figure behind the ongoing war.
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CPI(M) rebel Kunhikrishnan hopes for 5,000-vote win in Payyanur
Kannur (Kerala) (PTI): CPI(M) rebel candidate V Kunhikrishnan, who contested as a UDF-backed Independent from Payyanur here, on Saturday said he was hoping to win the Assembly election by a margin of 5,000 votes.
Kunhikrishnan was expelled from the CPI(M) earlier this year after raising allegations of corruption in the party’s martyrs’ fund against sitting MLA T I Madhusoodanan.
Speaking to a TV channel, Kunhikrishnan said he had announced his candidature as a mark of protest and not with expectations of victory.
However, he said the situation had changed drastically, with a strong undercurrent within CPI(M) votes favouring him.
"The undercurrent in CPI(M) votes cannot be measured. Now people are giving a response indicating victory with a margin of at least 5,000 votes," he said.
Payyanur is considered a CPI(M) stronghold, and a defeat for Madhusoodanan there would be a major setback for the party.
On political violence in Payyanur, Kunhikrishnan said he had been facing it since filing his nomination.
"The people leading this violence should think about how long they can continue it. It is the police which has to take the initiative to stop this violence as part of maintaining law and order. But the police are not intervening at the required level," he said.
Regarding his political future, Kunhikrishnan said efforts were underway to strengthen Left groups, and discussions were being held across Kerala in that regard.
"After discussing with others, a decision will be taken," he said.
Kunhikrishnan is among six former CPI(M) leaders who either exited the party or were suspended before contesting for the UDF in the April 9 Assembly elections.
Elections to the 140-seat Kerala Assembly were held on April 9, and the counting of votes will be held on May 4.
