BUDAPEST, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Sunday that he has accepted an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to join the work of the "Board of Peace for Gaza" as a founding member.
In a post on Facebook, Orban said the invitation was extended in recognition of "Hungary's efforts for peace" and confirmed that Hungary had accepted what he described as an "honorable invitation."
He also shared the invitation letter dated Jan. 16 from the White House, in which Trump formally invited Hungary to participate in the board.
According to previous reports, the Board of Peace for Gaza is part of a broader U.S.-led initiative focused on the demilitarization of Hamas, the establishment of technocratic governance, and post-conflict reconstruction in the Gaza Strip.
The White House on Friday announced the names of board members, with Trump serving as chairman. Other board members include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, according to the White House.
However, neither Israel nor Palestine is satisfied with the composition of the U.S.-led board. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated Saturday that the U.S. announcement regarding the composition of the board was "not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to its policy." The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine also blamed the composition, saying it serves the Israeli interests and indicated "negative intentions regarding the implementation of the terms of the (ceasefire) agreement." ■
