Who is on Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ Overseeing Gaza’s Reconstruction?
The White House has unveiled the members of President Trump’s newly established Board of Peace, focused on the reconstruction of Gaza. With the President serving as chair, this senior executive group will guide a committee of technocrats responsible for governing and rebuilding Gaza after a prolonged period of conflict. Each executive member will oversee critical portfolios essential for Gaza’s stabilization.
Members of the Executive Board
The Executive Board is expected to address key priorities, although specific responsibilities have yet to be delineated. Notably, the White House plans to introduce additional members in the coming weeks. As for now, here’s the roster:
– Sir Tony Blair
– The former UK Prime Minister who led the country from 1997 to 2007 is a prominent addition to the Board. Blair previously served as the Middle East envoy for the Quartet, comprising the UN, EU, US, and Russia.
– His support for Trump’s approach to Gaza has sparked discussions about its potential effectiveness, with Blair describing it as the best chance of ending two years of war, misery, and suffering.
– Marco Rubio
– As the US Secretary of State, Rubio has played a pivotal role in the administration’s foreign policy. Initial opposition to a Gaza ceasefire evolved into praise for the ceasefire agreement established in October, which he referred to as the best available option.
– Steve Witkoff
– A real estate magnate and personal associate of Trump, Witkoff has taken on a significant role as the US Special Envoy to the Middle East. He has promised comprehensive reconstruction and the disarmament of Hamas as part of Trump’s peace plan.
– Jared Kushner
– Serving as the President’s son-in-law and former senior advisor, Kushner has been a key mediator in various international negotiations, including Israel and Gaza. He has underscored the economic potential of Gaza’s waterfront properties for rebuilding livelihoods.
– Marc Rowan
– The CEO of Apollo Global Management, Rowan is noted for his significant influence in finance and was previously considered for a treasury secretary role in Trump’s administration.
– Ajay Banga
– Currently the President of the World Bank, Banga has an extensive career advising senior US politicians. He became a US citizen in 2007 and has been an advocate for economic opportunities in various regions.
– Robert Gabriel
– Serving as a national security adviser, Gabriel has been closely linked with Trump since his 2016 campaign, contributing valuable insight into strategic negotiations.
Ground Representation and Additional Structures
Although not part of the Executive Board, Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian politician and former UN Middle East envoy, will represent the Board of Peace on the ground in Gaza. He will oversee a unique 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which will handle daily governance responsibilities. The NCAG will be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority.
Conclusion
As Trump’s Board of Peace gears up for the critical task of Gaza’s reconstruction, its members bring a mix of political influence and financial expertise. While the lack of female and Palestinian representation raises questions, the evolving structure hints at a complex strategy aimed at stabilizing and rebuilding the region. Future developments will undoubtedly shape the effectiveness of this initiative and its potential impact on lasting peace in Gaza.