**Kombos: Cyprus ‘Not Organising’ Gaza Executive Board Meeting**
The Cypriot government has reiterated its position regarding the upcoming meeting of the Gaza Executive Board, which is set to take place in Cyprus on June 30 and July 1. Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos emphasized that Cyprus is merely serving as the venue for the gathering and is not involved in its organization or discussions.
In a statement on Thursday, Kombos clarified that the Republic of Cyprus is not responsible for organizing or co-organizing the summit, nor will it participate in the discussions that will occur during the meeting. He noted that Cyprus holds observer status with the Board of Peace, specifically concerning matters related to Gaza.
“This is an initiative undertaken by the organizers,” Kombos stated, acknowledging that while the government is familiar with some of the individuals involved in the Board, it is not directly involved in the decision-making processes. He mentioned that Cyprus has submitted proposals regarding the humanitarian situation and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, which may be discussed during bilateral meetings with members of the Executive Board.
The upcoming summit is particularly significant as it will address various issues, including financing for projects in Gaza. Kombos pointed out that the ongoing conflict in the Persian Gulf has caused substantial delays in both financing and the implementation of specific projects aimed at aiding Gaza. He expressed optimism about the renewed interest in addressing these issues, which he believes is crucial for progress.
When asked if Cyprus could potentially position itself as a “hub” for the reconstruction of Gaza, Kombos was cautious, stating that it is essential to recognize that the efforts are just beginning to resume. He refrained from making definitive claims about Cyprus's role in this context.
The question of whether Cyprus could transition from an observer to a member of the Gaza Board of Peace was met with skepticism by Kombos, who referred to such speculation as “idle.” He reiterated that Cyprus has chosen to participate as an observer, in line with the activities of the Board of Peace concerning Gaza, which aligns with the framework established by the United Nations Security Council.
Kombos also highlighted that the recent session held in Washington, which included discussions about observers and Gaza, saw participation from a majority of EU member states, including representatives from the European Commission. “We are not walking a lonely path on this issue,” he remarked, noting that Cyprus’s foreign policy aligns with the broader European trend, given its geographical and political context.
In response to inquiries about the ongoing transfer of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, Kombos confirmed that shipments continue to be sent. He mentioned a recent delivery that included medical equipment and incubators for infants, with additional shipments prepared for departure.
The Gaza Executive Board comprises notable figures, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff. Recent reports from the Financial Times have indicated that the Board of Peace fund is currently empty, despite having received $17 billion (€15 billion) in pledges. This situation has left the organization in a state of limbo, with no funds flowing to support projects in Gaza.
As the summit approaches, the focus will be on how to effectively mobilize the promised funds and address the pressing humanitarian needs in Gaza, a region that has faced significant challenges in recent years. The Cypriot government’s role as a host underscores its strategic position in regional diplomacy, even as it seeks to maintain a neutral stance in the discussions.