The White House has named former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as founding members of a new body tasked with the reconstruction and temporary governance of Gaza.
The “Board of Peace,” chaired by President Donald Trump himself, is the central pillar of a 20-point plan aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The board is expected to oversee the transition of the territory from a war zone to a stable, “de-radicalised” zone through massive international investment and infrastructure projects.
The announcement comes as part of “Phase Two” of the US-brokered peace plan, following a fragile ceasefire that took hold in October 2025.
A ‘prestigious’ executive team
President Trump described the group as the “greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled.” The founding executive members include a mix of political loyalists, financial heavyweights, and international figures:
- Political figures: Marco Rubio (US Secretary of State), Jared Kushner (Trump’s son-in-law), and Steve Witkoff (Middle East Envoy).
- Financial & Global leaders: Ajay Banga (World Bank President) and Marc Rowan (CEO of private equity giant Apollo Global Management).
- Security & Strategy: Robert Gabriel (US Deputy National Security Adviser).
Each member will oversee a specific “portfolio,” ranging from capital mobilisation and investment attraction to governance capacity-building.
Tony Blair’s return to the Middle East
Sir Tony Blair is the only non-US citizen on the founding board. While his experience as a former Middle East envoy for the “Quartet” is seen as a diplomatic asset, his appointment has already sparked debate.
Critics point to his controversial legacy regarding the Iraq War, with UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting noting that the move would “raise some eyebrows.” However, supporters argue his role in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement proves he possesses the “statecraft” required for such a daunting task. Sir Tony said he was “honoured” to serve, calling the work a “real privilege.”
Context: The 20-Point Plan
The Board of Peace is not intended to govern Gaza forever. According to the Trump administration’s blueprint:
- Technocratic Rule: Day-to-day administration will be handled by a newly formed “National Committee for the Administration of Gaza” (NCAG), led by Palestinian engineer Ali Shaath.
- Security: An International Stabilisation Force (ISF), commanded by US Major General Jasper Jeffers, will oversee demilitarisation and aid delivery.
- The ‘Riviera’ Vision: The President has previously suggested transforming Gaza’s coastline into a “riviera” of high-tech cities, funded by a massive “Trump economic development plan.”
The board’s formation has already drawn international interest, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reportedly intending to accept an invitation to join. Egyptian and Turkish leaders have also been approached as the White House seeks to broaden the board’s regional legitimacy.
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