Blair and Rubio among names on Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

The Trump administration has unveiled a significant diplomatic initiative aimed at navigating the complex aftermath of the Gaza conflict, announcing the formation of a "Board of Peace." Among the prominent figures named as founding members are former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This high-profile board, spearheaded by President Trump himself, is poised to play a crucial role in the temporary oversight and eventual reconstruction of Gaza, forming a cornerstone of his comprehensive 20-point plan to bring an end to the protracted war between Israel and Hamas.

The "founding executive board" will also include key figures from the administration’s Middle East envoy team, namely Steve Witkoff and President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who will also serve on the board. President Trump will assume the chairmanship of this influential body, signaling its paramount importance in his strategy for regional stability. The White House, in a detailed statement released on Friday, outlined the board’s mandate, emphasizing its role in temporarily overseeing the governance of Gaza and spearheading its ambitious reconstruction efforts.

Expanding on the composition of this critical panel, the White House revealed that Marc Rowan, a prominent figure in the private equity sector, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and a seasoned US national security advisor, Robert Gabriel, will also lend their expertise to the founding executive board. According to the White House statement, each member has been assigned a portfolio specifically designed to address areas "critical to Gaza’s stabilization and long-term success."

President Trump had previously alluded to the board’s formation on Thursday, describing it with characteristic hyperbole as the "Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place." Further announcements regarding additional members are expected in the coming weeks, suggesting a broad international coalition is being assembled.

Indications of broad international interest have already emerged. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has reportedly accepted an invitation to join the board, a move confirmed by a senior Canadian official speaking to journalists, as reported by CBC News. While the BBC has reached out to Mr. Carney’s office for direct comment, this development underscores the global implications of the initiative. In a notable public statement, Argentinian President Javier Milei shared an image of his invitation to participate on the social media platform X, expressing that it would be "an honour" to contribute. Egypt’s Foreign Minister has also confirmed that President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has received an invitation, stating that the matter is currently under review by the Egyptian government.

Sir Tony Blair’s appointment carries particular weight, given his extensive experience in international diplomacy and conflict resolution. Having served as the UK Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007, a period marked by significant global events including the UK’s involvement in the Iraq War, Blair transitioned into a role as the Middle East envoy for the Quartet – a diplomatic forum comprising the United States, the European Union, Russia, and the United Nations. In this capacity, he dedicated his efforts to fostering economic development within Palestine and cultivating an environment conducive to a two-state solution. His prior engagement in high-level discussions concerning Gaza’s future, including a meeting with President Trump in August to discuss detailed plans for the territory, further solidifies his suitability for this new role. Witkoff himself had described these earlier discussions as "very comprehensive."

In response to his appointment, Sir Tony expressed his honor and highlighted the "real privilege" of collaborating with Witkoff and Kushner thus far. He stated, "I look forward to working with them and other colleagues in line with the president’s vision to promote peace and prosperity." Notably, Sir Tony Blair is the sole founding member of the executive board who is not an American citizen, underscoring the unique international perspective he brings to the table.

This appointment has drawn some commentary, with UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting having previously remarked to the BBC that involving Sir Tony in such discussions, given his past actions, might "raise some eyebrows." However, Streeting also acknowledged Blair’s instrumental role in brokering the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which brought an end to the Troubles in Northern Ireland. He added, "If he can bring those considerable skills there, in both diplomacy and state craft, that can only be a good thing."

The establishment of the "Board of Peace" coincides with the announcement of a separate, 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee. This group, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), will be responsible for the day-to-day governance of Gaza in the post-war era. Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister within the Palestinian Authority (PA), which currently administers parts of the occupied West Bank, has been appointed to lead this new committee.

Further details of the plan reveal that Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian politician and former UN Middle East envoy, will serve as the board’s on-the-ground representative in Gaza, working in close coordination with the NCAG. President Trump’s plan also includes the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to Gaza. This force, under the command of US Major General Jasper Jeffers, will be tasked with training and supporting vetted Palestinian police forces, with the overarching objective "to establish security, preserve peace, and establish a durable terror-free environment." The White House further indicated that a distinct "Gaza executive board" is being formed to support governance, which will incorporate members from the founding executive board alongside newly appointed individuals.

The US peace plan, which was officially implemented in October, has since progressed into its second phase. However, significant uncertainties persist regarding the future trajectory of Gaza and the fate of its 2.1 million Palestinian inhabitants.

Phase one of the plan saw Hamas and Israel agree to a ceasefire in October, accompanied by a hostage-prisoner exchange, a partial Israeli withdrawal from certain areas, and an increase in humanitarian aid. Witkoff elaborated earlier this week that phase two will encompass the comprehensive reconstruction of Gaza and its full demilitarization, including the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian militant factions. "The US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations," Witkoff cautioned, emphasizing that these obligations include the return of the body of the last deceased Israeli hostage. He warned that "Failure to do so will bring serious consequences."

Despite these diplomatic efforts, the ceasefire remains precarious, with both sides frequently leveling accusations of repeated violations. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, nearly 450 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israeli airstrikes since the ceasefire came into effect. Concurrently, the Israeli military reports the deaths of three of its soldiers in attacks attributed to Palestinian groups during the same period.

The United Nations has consistently highlighted the dire humanitarian conditions persisting within the territory, stressing the urgent need for an unimpeded flow of essential supplies. The current conflict in Gaza was precipitated by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 251 individuals. Since then, Israeli military operations in Gaza have led to the deaths of over 71,260 people, as reported by the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.