Trump Launches Gaza ‘Board of Peace’
The Trump administration has announced the first members of a new “Board of Peace,” an initiative designed to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and form part of Washington’s broader plan to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Former UK prime minister Sir Tony Blair and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio were named to the founding executive board, alongside Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner. Trump will chair the board, which the White House described as central to a 20-point peace and reconstruction strategy.
The board is expected to temporarily supervise Gaza’s administration and coordinate investment, diplomacy, and rebuilding efforts. A separate “Gaza Executive Board” will manage on-the-ground operations via an administrative body known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), led by Palestinian technocrat Ali Shaath.
Other founding members include private equity executive Marc Rowan, World Bank president Ajay Banga, and U.S. national security adviser Robert Gabriel. Each member will be assigned a portfolio deemed “critical to Gaza’s stabilisation and long-term success,” the White House said.
The board itself is intended to comprise current heads of government, with invitations sent worldwide. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has agreed to join, while Argentina’s President Javier Milei said it would be an “honour” to participate. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has also been invited and is considering the offer.
Blair — the only non-American on the founding board — previously served as the Quartet’s Middle East envoy and has been involved in high-level talks about Gaza’s future. “I look forward to working with colleagues in line with the president’s vision to promote peace and prosperity,” he said in a statement.
The U.S. plan, which took effect in October, is currently in its second phase amid continuing uncertainty over Gaza’s long-term governance. Phase one delivered a ceasefire, a hostage-prisoner exchange, a partial Israeli pullback, and an influx of humanitarian aid, though the truce remains fragile.
An International Stabilisation Force led by U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers will deploy to Gaza to support Palestinian police forces and maintain security. Washington has warned Hamas to meet its obligations, including the return of the last deceased Israeli hostage, or face “serious consequences.”
Despite the truce, the Hamas-run health ministry reports nearly 450 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes since October, while Israel says three soldiers have died in attacks by Palestinian groups. UN officials continue to warn of severe humanitarian conditions and the urgent need for unrestricted aid.
The war began after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. More than 71,000 Palestinians have since been killed in Israeli operations, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
Source : BBC
