Board of Peace, Japan considers sending ambassador for Gaza reconstruction

Japan is considering sending the ambassador in charge of Gaza reconstruction, Takeshi Okubo, to the first meeting of the US-led Board of Peace, scheduled for this week in Washington. This is reported by government sources, pointing out that the final decision on Tokyo's membership in the body has not yet been made.

The possible participation of the Japanese envoy in Thursday's meeting, explains the Kyodo news agency, would aim to emphasise the importance of the Japanese-US alliance, in view of the summit planned in March between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump. Japan also intends to explain its position on contributing to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, the sources added.

Takaichi had been invited to the meeting but decided not to attend due to the extraordinary parliamentary session convened on Wednesday. So far, no G7 countries other than the US have joined the Board of Peace.

"The European Commission should clarify the political mandate and scope of its participation in the first meeting of the so-called 'Board of Peace' to be held on Thursday in Washington. The initiative, launched by Donald Trump last month, is contrary to established international norms and UN-led processes." This was stated by the EU Socialist Group in the European Parliament regarding the Commission's participation in Thursday's meetings in the US. "There are serious concerns about the lack of transparency" regarding the Commission's participation, the Socialists point out.

Trump said on Sunday that members of the body - which he chairs - had pledged over $5 billion for Gaza reconstruction plans. The US president also expressed his intention to expand the Board's scope, transforming it into a body capable of contributing to global conflict resolution.