Europe Divides as Greece and Cyprus Attend Gaza Peace Board, Türkiye Signs On

By Bosphorus News Staff

In remarks published on the official website of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis confirmed that Greece had received an invitation and would participate.

He indicated that Athens would attend the meeting following the invitation extended to Greece, placing its participation within the framework of its diplomatic engagement on Gaza.

In a separate briefing cycle, the Greek Foreign Ministry referenced United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, signaling that Greece’s participation does not alter its established positions on the broader political parameters surrounding Gaza.

Athens’ approach keeps it inside the process, without redefining its formal stance.

Cyprus: Formal Acceptance

Cyprus has formally accepted the invitation to participate as an observer.

Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis stated that “Cyprus has received and accepted an invitation to participate as Observer in the Board of Peace meeting on Gaza, to be held in Washington on 19 February 2026.”

Nicosia presented its participation as part of its consistent diplomatic engagement in regional efforts related to Gaza.

Türkiye: Founding Signatory

Unlike Greece and Cyprus, Türkiye is not attending as an observer.

A joint statement by the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said they welcome U.S. President Donald Trump’s invitation to join the Board of Peace and will move forward with the necessary legal steps to formalize participation.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the initiative as a “historic opportunity” to contribute to ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to support a lasting and inclusive peace in the region. He also noted that he signed the charter in Davos on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

A Fragmented European Response

Across the European Union, participation levels differ. Some member states have chosen full participation, while others, including Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Romania, are attending as observers. Several EU countries have not confirmed any formal role.

The differing approaches point to varied national calculations over mandate, scope and political implications.