Blair and Rubio Among Names on Gaza ‘Board of Peace’
The Trump administration has unveiled its Board of Peace for Gaza, featuring notable figures such as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair. Joining them are Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, as key members of the founding executive board. Trump will chair this board, which is part of a 20-point plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The board will oversee Gaza’s administration and aid in its reconstruction efforts.
Founding Executive Board Members
– Marco Rubio: US Secretary of State
– Sir Tony Blair: Former UK Prime Minister (1997-2007)
– Steve Witkoff: Trump’s Middle East envoy
– Jared Kushner: Senior Advisor to Trump
– Marc Rowan: Head of a private equity firm
– Ajay Banga: World Bank Chief
– Robert Gabriel: US National Security Adviser
Each member is expected to manage portfolios critical to Gaza’s stabilization and long-term success, according to a White House statement. Trump has described the board as the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place.
Further appointments to the board are anticipated in the coming weeks.
Sir Tony Blair’s Role and Controversy
Sir Tony Blair, who previously served as the Quartet’s Middle East envoy, focused on fostering economic development in Palestine and advancing towards a two-state solution. Despite his controversial past, especially regarding the Iraq War, he participated in high-level discussions on Gaza’s future, including a recent White House meeting with Trump that Witkoff characterized as very comprehensive.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the mixed sentiments surrounding Blair’s involvement but highlighted his diplomatic strengths, citing his role in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement as evidence of his capabilities. If he can bring those considerable skills in diplomacy and statecraft, that can only be a good thing, Streeting noted.
New Governance Structure and International Support
This announcement follows the establishment of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). This committee will handle the daily governance of post-war Gaza, with Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority, at its helm. Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian politician and former UN Middle East envoy, will represent the board on the ground in Gaza and work closely with the NCAG.
The plan includes deployment of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to train and support vetted Palestinian police forces. US Major General Jasper Jeffers will lead this force, aiming to establish security, preserve peace, and create a durable, terror-free environment.
Current Situation in Gaza
The US peace plan initiated in October has now entered its second phase, yet many uncertainties linger regarding the future of the 2.1 million Palestinians living in Gaza. Under phase one, a ceasefire was agreed upon between Hamas and Israel, alongside a hostage-prisoner exchange and partial Israeli withdrawal.
In recent statements, Witkoff emphasized the importance of Hamas complying with its obligations, including the disarmament of militant groups, while threatening serious consequences for non-compliance. Nonetheless, the ceasefire remains tenuous, with ongoing violence resulting in substantial casualties on both sides, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry and reports from the Israeli military.
Humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate within Gaza, prompting UN officials to stress the urgent need for a steady flow of essential supplies.
The escalation of conflict was triggered by a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which left about 1,200 individuals deceased and saw 251 others taken hostage. The toll has risen to over 71,260 Palestinians killed since the onset of hostilities.
In summary, Trump’s Board of Peace aims to navigate the complexities of governance in Gaza, but significant challenges are poised to impact the region’s fragile stability moving forward.