Cyprus to participate as observer in Washington Peace Council for Gaza

The Republic of Cyprus has accepted an invitation to participate as an observer in the first meeting of the Peace Council for Gaza, scheduled for February 19, 2026, in Washington. This council was established by U.S. President Donald Trump during the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22. President Nikos Christodoulides stated that Cyprus's presence is significant given its regional role and its specific proposal regarding Gaza's reconstruction. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis noted that the meeting will discuss the implementation of a peace plan adopted by UN Security Council Resolution 2803. While the government initially approached the initiative with caution and was absent from the Davos presentation for practical reasons, it now views the Washington meeting as having an informative and coordinating character. The opposition party AKEL has criticized the move, but the government maintains that active presence is necessary to protect national interests. Other invited EU nations include Greece, Spain, Germany, and France, following a period where only Hungary and Bulgaria were present at the initial Davos signing. A final decision on the level of official representation will be made by Monday.