US President Donald Trump has suggested that Sir Tony Blair may not be 'popular' enough to serve on his proposed 'Board of Peace' for Gaza, casting doubt on the former prime minister's involvement. Trump initially named Blair as a potential member of the board, which is intended to oversee an interim governing authority for the territory.
Speaking on Air Force One en route to Israel, Trump said he wanted the board operational quickly but expressed reservations about Blair's acceptability. 'I've always liked Tony, but I want to find out that he's an acceptable choice to everybody,' Trump said. He added, 'I want to find out that Tony would be popular with all because I just don't know that.'
The remarks follow opposition from Palestinians and Hamas to Blair's involvement, citing his controversial role in the Iraq War and his tenure as Middle East envoy for the quartet of powers. Trump had met Blair at a Gaza peace summit in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday, where the pair posed for photographs.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who attended the signing ceremony in Egypt, appeared cool on Blair's potential role. 'I'm less interested, to be perfectly frank, in discussions about personnel than I am in getting it implemented,' Starmer said, while acknowledging the UK's behind-the-scenes role in the negotiations.
