New Delhi, Jan 30: Palestine is not opposed to US President Donald Trump’s idea of transforming the Gaza Strip into a Mediterranean “Riviera,” provided the plan is meant for Palestinians themselves and not imposed at their expense, Palestinian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Varsen Aghabekian Shahin said on Friday.
In an interview with a news agency, Shahin also said that India’s participation in President Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” could be helpful, though the outcome of any peace initiative must be clearly defined.
“Well, a Riviera for its people—why not? If it’s a Riviera for Gazans, for Palestinians to enjoy, yes. But if it’s a Riviera for others to enjoy without the Palestinians, then no,” Shahin said while responding to a question on Trump’s vision of turning Gaza into the Middle East’s Riviera.
Her remarks come amid renewed global focus on Gaza’s reconstruction and a US-led Peace Board proposed by Trump. While welcoming efforts to restore peace, Shahin stressed that rebuilding Gaza cannot be separated from Palestinian political rights.
Shahin is in India to attend the India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ meeting, where she said the Palestinian issue would remain “at the forefront” of her discussions.
“Any attempt at forging peace is welcome because it gives hope after decades of violence,” she said. “But we want this plan to be tied to something bigger—a clear path that leads to Palestinian independence.”
India has also been invited to join the proposed Peace Board but has yet to take a decision. Shahin said New Delhi’s participation could help, but emphasised that the peace process must have clearly defined goals.
“It would help our cause if the path and the end results are clear,” she said, reiterating India’s consistent support for a two-state solution.
Asked about Pakistan’s inclusion on the Peace Board, which is opposed by Israel, Shahin said no country should dictate the peace process. “Israel must stop dictating to the world what is acceptable. What is acceptable is what complies with international law,” she said.
Referring to the situation on the ground, Shahin said the ceasefire remains fragile. “Only a permanent and sustainable ceasefire will allow people to breathe and begin reconstruction,” she said, adding that rebuilding Gaza would require sustained international support.
On Hamas, Shahin said the group should disarm as part of a peace framework it accepts. She also welcomed India’s balanced approach, saying New Delhi’s ties with both Israel and Palestine could allow it to play a constructive role.
Warning about escalating US-Iran tensions, Shahin said regional instability could undermine Gaza’s fragile calm. “Any instability in the region affects everyone, including Palestine. Conflicts should be resolved at the table, not through armed confrontation,” she said.
Turning to the West Bank, Shahin said conditions there were worsening even as international attention remained focused on Gaza. “Illegal settlers are unleashing havoc, terrorising Palestinian lives daily. We are living under an apartheid system that violates international law,” she said, citing multiple UN resolutions yet to be implemented by Israel.
Asked about Palestinian sentiment towards Trump, Shahin said there is a belief that he could move the peace process forward if Palestinian rights are respected. “Peace means respecting both peoples, not one at the expense of the other,” she said. “The Palestinians deserve their state as enshrined in international law. Now is the time to help them realise it.”
India is yet to take a call on joining the Board of Peace and is understood to be considering various aspects, as the initiative involves sensitive issues. New Delhi has consistently pushed for a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within recognised borders.
Countries that have accepted Trump’s invitation to join the Peace Board include Argentina, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Morocco, Mongolia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.(Agencies)
