Donald Trump has named former UK prime minister Tony Blair to a newly formed Gaza 'board of peace', alongside US secretary of state Marco Rubio and his son-in-law Jared Kushner. The seven-member body, chaired by Trump himself, will oversee reconstruction and governance in the war-torn territory, the White House announced.
The board also includes Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, World Bank president Ajay Banga, and further appointments are expected. Each member will manage a portfolio covering governance, regional relations, reconstruction, investment, and funding. The US says it remains committed to working with Israel, Arab nations, and the international community.
Blair's involvement is likely to be divisive, given his role in the 2003 Iraq war and his tenure as Quartet envoy, where he was seen as too pro-Israeli. Trump acknowledged the controversy, saying he wanted to ensure Blair was an acceptable choice.
The board is part of phase two of the US-brokered ceasefire plan. A 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, led by Ali Sha'ath, will handle day-to-day affairs. Former US special forces head Maj Gen Jasper Jeffers will lead an International Stabilisation Force for security.
The ceasefire, which began in October, brought hostage releases and a halt to fighting. However, aid shortages, sporadic violence, and Israeli demolitions of structures in Gaza persist. Hamas has not committed to disarmament, a key Israeli demand.
