Who is on Trump’s senior executive overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction?

The White House has unveiled the composition of a key advisory body tasked with guiding the complex and critical endeavor of Gaza’s reconstruction and temporary governance, following the release of the names of the members who will form the senior executive working with his new "Board of Peace" for Gaza. At the helm of this ambitious initiative is the US president himself, who will chair the founding "Executive Board." This board is designated to oversee the multifaceted work of a committee of technocrats, a group specifically tasked with the interim governance of Gaza and the monumental challenge of its reconstruction.

Each member of this distinguished Executive Board is expected to assume responsibility for a specific portfolio, deemed "critical to Gaza’s stabilization" by the White House. However, the precise allocation of these crucial priorities among the board members has not yet been definitively clarified. Complementing the Executive Board will be a separate "Gaza Executive Board," which will be responsible for the direct oversight of all on-the-ground activities undertaken by another administrative group, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). Hovering above these two executive bodies, the Board of Peace is anticipated to convene a distinguished assembly of world leaders. Notably, at this initial high-level announcement, no women or Palestinian representatives have been named, though the White House has indicated that additional members will be revealed in the coming weeks, suggesting a potential for broader representation.

So, who constitutes the foundational Executive Board?

Sir Tony Blair: The former UK Prime Minister, Sir Tony Blair, has long been a subject of discussion as a potential member of President Trump’s "Board of Peace." The US president himself confirmed back in September that Sir Tony had expressed a keen interest in joining this influential body. A prominent figure in British politics, Sir Tony served as Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007. His tenure included the controversial decision to take the UK into the Iraq War in 2003, a historical event that may lead some to view his inclusion on the board with a degree of skepticism. Following his departure from office, Sir Tony took on the role of Middle East envoy for the Quartet of international powers – comprising the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, and Russia – a position he held from 2007 to 2015. Intriguingly, Sir Tony is the sole founding member of the executive board who is not a US citizen. He has previously lauded President Trump’s plans for Gaza, describing them as the "best chance of ending two years of war, misery and suffering." In a statement, Sir Tony expressed his "honour" at being named to the executive board and extended his gratitude to President Trump for his leadership in establishing the group. He will also extend his involvement by serving on the Gaza Executive Board.

Marco Rubio: As the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio occupies a pivotal position within the Trump administration’s foreign policy apparatus. Prior to President Trump’s return to office, Rubio had publicly voiced strong opposition to a ceasefire in Gaza, stating his desire for Israel "to destroy every element of Hamas they can get their hands on." However, he has more recently commended the initial phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, signed in October, as the "best" and "only" viable plan. In October of the same year, Rubio also expressed criticism regarding a move by the Israeli parliament towards the annexation of the occupied West Bank. His nuanced stance and active involvement in regional diplomacy position him as a significant figure in the reconstruction efforts.

Steve Witkoff: Steve Witkoff, the US Special Envoy to the Middle East and a prominent real estate magnate, also a known golf partner of President Trump, is set to serve on the Gaza Executive Board. Earlier this month, Witkoff announced the commencement of phase two of Trump’s plan to achieve an end to the war in Gaza. This phase, he indicated, would encompass the comprehensive reconstruction and complete demilitarization of Gaza, including the disarmament of Hamas. He further asserted his expectation that Hamas would "comply fully with its obligations" under the proposed deal, warning of "serious consequences" should they fail to do so. Witkoff has been a central figure in US-led diplomatic efforts aimed at negotiating a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, which included a significant five-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in December. His experience in high-stakes international negotiations will be invaluable.

Jared Kushner: Jared Kushner, the US president’s son-in-law, has also played an instrumental role in the Trump administration’s foreign policy negotiations. Alongside Steve Witkoff, Kushner has frequently served as a US mediator in both the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza conflicts, and he will now lend his expertise to the Gaza Executive Board. In November, he engaged in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address key sticking points within the ongoing peace deal negotiations. During a speaking engagement at Harvard University in 2024, Kushner remarked, "Gaza’s waterfront property could be very valuable… if people would focus on building up livelihoods." His perspective on economic development and strategic asset utilization will likely inform reconstruction strategies.

Marc Rowan: Billionaire Marc Rowan, the CEO of Apollo Global Management, a prominent private equity firm headquartered in New York, is another key figure appointed to the Executive Board. Rowan was considered a potential candidate for the position of US Treasury Secretary during Trump’s second term. His extensive experience in finance and investment management will be crucial for mobilizing the significant capital required for Gaza’s reconstruction and economic revitalization. His role on the Gaza Executive Board signifies a commitment to leveraging private sector expertise for public good.

Ajay Banga: Ajay Banga, the current president of the World Bank, brings a wealth of global financial and development experience to the table. Having advised a number of senior US politicians, including former President Barack Obama, throughout his distinguished career, Banga became a US citizen in 2007. He previously served as the CEO of Mastercard for over a decade, demonstrating exceptional leadership in the corporate world. Former US President Joe Biden nominated him to lead the World Bank in 2023, highlighting his recognized expertise in international finance and development. Born in India in 1959, Banga’s international perspective and deep understanding of global economic challenges will be vital for the complex task of rebuilding Gaza.

Robert Gabriel: Robert Gabriel, a US national security adviser, will serve as the final member of the "founding executive board." Gabriel has maintained a working relationship with President Trump since his 2016 presidential campaign. According to PBS, he later became a special assistant to Stephen Miller, another influential advisor within Trump’s circle. Gabriel’s background in national security will likely provide a crucial strategic dimension to the board’s deliberations on stability and security in post-conflict Gaza.

Nickolay Mladenov: While not a member of the Executive Board, Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian politician and former UN Middle East envoy, has been designated by the White House to serve as the Board of Peace’s representative on the ground in Gaza. He will sit on the Gaza Executive Board and will oversee a separate 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). This committee is specifically charged with managing the day-to-day governance of Gaza in the post-war period. The NCAG will be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister within the Palestinian Authority (PA), which currently governs parts of the occupied West Bank not under direct Israeli control. Mladenov’s extensive experience as a UN envoy in the region makes him a critical bridge between the international reconstruction efforts and the local Palestinian administration.