Trump Appoints Tony Blair and Key Figures to Gaza 'Board of Peace'

The White House has announced the formation of a 'Board of Peace' to oversee the reconstruction and governance of the Gaza Strip, appointing former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as one of its founding executive members. The board, chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump, also includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

According to the White House, each executive board member will oversee a defined portfolio critical to Gaza's stabilization and long-term success, including governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, large-scale funding, and capital mobilization.

The board's formation is part of the second phase of the U.S.-brokered peace plan, which aims to transition Gaza from conflict to peace and development. A separate technocratic committee, led by Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian Authority official, will manage day-to-day operations in Gaza.

Blair's appointment has drawn attention due to his controversial role in the 2003 Iraq invasion. His inclusion is likely to prove contentious in the region, as he remains a divisive figure in the Middle East for his role in the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

The 'Board of Peace' will also include private equity executive Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Robert Gabriel. Additional members are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The U.S. administration has stated that the board will play an essential role in fulfilling all 20 points of the President's plan, providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development.