Donald Trump has appointed former British prime minister Tony Blair to a newly created Gaza ‘board of peace’, alongside US secretary of state Marco Rubio and Jared Kushner. The seven-member board, chaired by Trump, will oversee reconstruction and governance in the war-ravaged territory, according to a White House statement.
The board also includes Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and World Bank president Ajay Banga. Each member will manage a portfolio covering governance, reconstruction, investment, and capital mobilisation. The US said it remains committed to working with Israel, Arab nations, and the international community on the transitional framework.
Blair’s appointment is contentious due to his role in the 2003 Iraq invasion and his tenure as Quartet envoy, where he was seen as too close to Israel. Trump acknowledged last October that Blair is a divisive figure, saying: ‘I’ve always liked Tony, but I want to find out that he’s an acceptable choice to everybody.’
The board’s formation follows phase two of a US-brokered ceasefire plan launched on 10 October. A 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, led by Ali Sha’ath, will handle daily affairs in post-war Gaza. Trump also appointed Maj Gen Jasper Jeffers to lead an International Stabilisation Force for security.
Hamas has not committed to full disarmament, a key Israeli demand. Democratic congresswoman Rosa DeLauro stressed that phase two’s success depends on full implementation of phase one, including aid delivery and a halt to Israeli strikes. Political scientist Seth Masket criticised the board’s name, noting Trump’s threats of invasions.
