'India Will Decide...': What Palestine's Foreign Minister Said on New Delhi's Role in Gaza Peace Board

India’s role in the US-backed 'Peace Board for Gaza' has drawn optimism from Palestine with, a Palestinian Minister saying that New Delhi's presence on board “would help our cause if the path and the end

results are clear,” reiterating India’s long-standing support for a two-state solution.Speaking in India while attending the India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ meeting, Palestinian Foreign Minister of State Varsen Aghabekian Shahin said New Delhi’s participation in US President Donald Trump’s proposed ‘Board of Peace’ “will decide in line with its (India's) understanding of peace, international law.”India has been invited to join the proposed board but is yet to take a decision on it. Officials in New Delhi, as per reports, are still weighing the sensitivities involved, even as the country continues to push for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security within defined and recognised borders.Also Read | Why Saying ‘Yes’ to Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza Isn’t Easy for India

Gaza ‘Riviera’ only if it serves Palestinians

Shahin also responded to Trump’s idea of transforming Gaza into a Mediterranean “Riviera”, making it clear that Palestinians are not opposed to reconstruction but reject any vision imposed at their expense.“Well, a Riviera for its people. I mean, why not? If it's a Riviera for Gazans, the Palestinians, to enjoy, yes. But if it's a Riviera for others to enjoy without the Palestinians, no,” she said in an interview to PTI Videos.“Any attempt at forging peace is welcome because it gives hope after decades of violence,” she said, adding, “But we want this plan to be tied to something bigger, a clear path that leads to Palestinian independence.”

Fragile ceasefire and regional risks

Speaking on changes in Gaza, Shahin warned that despite a partial ceasefire the situation on ground remains volatile.“We are not seeing the atrocities of the last two years, but the ceasefire is fragile. Only a permanent and sustainable ceasefire will allow people to breathe and begin reconstruction,” she said.Also Read | Trump Invites Countries To Be Part Of Gaza's 'Board Of Peace' - What Is It?On the proposed Peace Board, Shahin dismissed objections to Pakistan’s inclusion, saying no country should dictate the process.

“Israel must stop dictating to the world what is acceptable. What is acceptable is what meets international law,” she said.

'Resolve around tables, not through arms'

She also warned that escalating US-Iran tensions could hurt Gaza’s fragile calm.“Any instability in the region affects everyone, including Palestine. Conflicts should be resolved around tables, not through armed confrontation,” she said.Turning to the West Bank, Shahin said conditions there were worsening even as global attention remained fixed on Gaza.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w545sziuqjM

“Illegal settlers are unleashing havoc, terrorising Palestinian lives daily. We are living under an apartheid system that violates international law,” she said.Asked about Palestinian sentiment towards Trump, Shahin said there was belief he could still move the peace process forward if Palestinian rights were respected.“Peace means respecting both peoples, not one at the expense of the other,” she said, adding “the Palestinians deserve their state as enshrined in international law. Now is the time to help them materialise it.”(With Inputs from PTI)