The Trump administration has announced the creation of a 'Board of Peace' for Gaza, naming US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair as two of its founding members. Other notable appointees include Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, according to a White House statement released on Friday.
President Trump will preside as chairman of the board, which is a key element of his 20-point strategy aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The board is expected to temporarily manage Gaza’s day-to-day operations and oversee its rebuilding processes.
Joining Rubio and Blair on the founding executive board are Marc Rowan, CEO of a private equity firm, World Bank chief Ajay Banga, and US national security adviser Robert Gabriel. Each member has been assigned a portfolio deemed essential for Gaza’s stabilization and long-term success, as stated by the White House. Trump proclaimed the board as the 'Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place.' More members are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Sir Tony Blair previously served as the Middle East envoy for the Quartet of the US, EU, Russia, and the UN, focusing on economic development for Palestine to advance towards a two-state solution. He has actively participated in high-level discussions about Gaza's future and was present at a White House meeting in August to discuss comprehensive plans for the area.
Meanwhile, a new Palestinian-led governance group, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), comprising 15 technocrats, has been announced. This committee, headed by Ali Shaath, will handle Gaza’s daily administration. Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian former UN envoy, will represent the board in Gaza, while US Major General Jasper Jeffers will lead an International Stabilisation Force to train Palestinian police and ensure security in the area.
The White House noted that a separate 'Gaza executive board,' incorporating some members of the original executive board along with new appointments, will support governance efforts. Although Trump’s peace plan, initiated in October and currently in its second phase, raises hope, uncertainty regarding Gaza’s future and its 2.1 million residents persists.