South Korea attends the inaugural Trump-led Peace Board for Gaza meeting in Washington, signaling support for Middle East peace efforts while reviewing full membership. The initiative aims to address the Gaza conflict and expand to global crises.
South Korea has participated in the first meeting of the Board of Peace for Gaza, an initiative proposed by former US President Donald Trump, reaffirming Seoul’s commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at stabilizing the war-torn Middle East region.
According to South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, former Ambassador to Egypt Kim Yong-hyon attended the inaugural session in Washington on Thursday as an observer. The meeting marked the formal launch of the Board of Peace, a multinational platform designed to coordinate diplomatic, humanitarian, and strategic responses to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Observer Status Signals Strategic Support
While South Korea is not currently a full member of the board, its attendance at the high-level gathering underscores its interest in contributing to global peace-building efforts. The ministry emphasized that Seoul supports President Trump’s leadership in seeking enhanced peace and security in Gaza.
“Including participation in the inaugural meeting, the government has supported President Trump’s leading efforts to enhance peace in Gaza,” the ministry said in an official statement. “We plan to continue to join efforts for Middle East peace and security alongside the international community.”
When questioned about the possibility of South Korea formally joining the initiative, ministry spokesperson Park Il stated that the government would “prudently review” the matter, taking all relevant considerations into account before making a decision.
Structure and Scope of the Peace Board
The Board of Peace for Gaza was initially conceived as a focused response to the intensifying humanitarian and political crisis in Gaza. However, organizers have indicated that its mandate may expand to address other global conflicts in the future.
Membership rules stipulate that participating countries will serve three-year terms unless they commit substantial funding to secure permanent representation. This structure aims to ensure both financial sustainability and active engagement among member states.
Key international figures have joined the executive leadership of the board, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. Their involvement reflects an attempt to lend diplomatic weight and global credibility to the initiative.
More than two dozen countries have reportedly joined the board as members, signaling considerable international interest. However, South Korea’s participation remains limited to observer status at this stage.
Mixed Global Response
Despite its ambitious objectives, the board has faced notable resistance from several major global powers. Countries such as Brazil, India, and China have declined to participate, citing reservations over the board’s structure, representation, and long-term viability.
Critics have also raised concerns about the absence of direct Palestinian representation within the board’s framework. Some observers argue that without inclusive representation from key stakeholders, the initiative risks undermining its own credibility and effectiveness.
Additionally, questions have emerged regarding the inclusion of certain countries viewed as controversial actors in international politics. Analysts suggest that these concerns could complicate diplomatic consensus-building efforts, particularly in an already polarized geopolitical environment.
South Korea’s Middle East Diplomacy
South Korea has increasingly sought to expand its diplomatic footprint in the Middle East, balancing economic interests, energy security concerns, and broader foreign policy objectives. Participation in international peace initiatives aligns with Seoul’s long-standing support for multilateral cooperation and global conflict resolution.
By attending the inaugural meeting, South Korea has positioned itself as a cautious yet engaged stakeholder in emerging diplomatic frameworks addressing the Gaza conflict. The government’s measured approach reflects both strategic calculation and sensitivity to the complex political dynamics surrounding the issue.
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As the Board of Peace for Gaza moves forward, much will depend on its ability to secure broad-based international support, demonstrate tangible progress, and address concerns about representation and legitimacy. For South Korea, the decision to potentially transition from observer to full member will likely hinge on how effectively the board navigates these early challenges.
The coming months will determine whether this new diplomatic platform can meaningfully contribute to stability in Gaza and potentially serve as a model for coordinated responses to other global crises.
