United States President Donald Trump has announced the first members of a new Gaza “Board of Peace” designed to steer reconstruction and transitional governance in the war‑torn Palestinian territory. The founding executive board brings together high‑profile political figures, diplomats, and global leaders to oversee a fragile peace process following years of conflict.
Trump, who serves as chair of the board, said the group will help implement the next phase of his comprehensive peace plan for Gaza. The initiative follows a fragile ceasefire agreement and aims to rebuild infrastructure, strengthen governance, and attract investment to the war‑scarred region.
Who Are the Members of the Gaza Board of Peace?
Among the seven founding executive members named so far are prominent figures from the United States and abroad:
- Marco Rubio – US Secretary of State
- Tony Blair – Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
- Jared Kushner – Trump’s son‑in‑law and longtime adviser
- Steve Witkoff – Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East
- Ajay Banga – President of the World Bank
- Marc Rowan – CEO of Apollo Global Management
- Robert Gabriel – US Deputy National Security Adviser
Former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov will serve as High Representative for Gaza, acting as a key liaison on the ground. Trump’s appointments also include senior advisers tasked with daily strategy and operations.
What Is the Role of the Board?
According to the White House, each board member will oversee a specific portfolio crucial to Gaza’s stabilisation and long‑term success, including governance capacity building, regional relations, reconstruction, funding, and investment mobilisation. Members will work in partnership with Israel, key Arab nations, and the international community.
The formation of the board follows a 15‑member Palestinian technocratic committee created to manage day‑to‑day affairs in post‑war Gaza. That body is headed by Ali Sha’ath, a Gaza native with experience in public administration and economic development.
Trump’s Vision and International Cooperation
Trump described the board as part of phase two of his peace plan, a roadmap for lasting stability and prosperity in Gaza. In a statement, the White House underscored the United States’ commitment to support the transitional framework, working closely with Israel, neighbouring Arab countries, and other international partners.
The board’s mandate also includes mobilising large‑scale funding for reconstruction and encouraging private sector investment in infrastructure and social services. Experts say this reflects a mix of diplomatic outreach and economic strategy aimed at helping Gaza recover from years of conflict.
Why Tony Blair’s Appointment Attracts Attention
Tony Blair’s inclusion has drawn particular focus due to his previous involvement in Middle East diplomacy and his controversial role in the 2003 Iraq invasion. Trump himself acknowledged the need to choose figures who would be seen as acceptable to a broad range of stakeholders, noting Blair’s experience in international affairs.
Blair served as special representative of the Quartet on the Middle East, a group comprising the US, EU, Russia, and the UN, aiming to facilitate peace between Israel and the Palestinians, before stepping down in 2015. His appointment to the peace board has elicited mixed reactions from observers and analysts.
What Comes Next: Implementation and Oversight
In addition to the executive board, Trump has named advisers to help translate the board’s strategic goals into action. The peace plan also envisions a separate “Gaza Executive Board” and an international stabilisation force to support security, humanitarian access, and demilitarisation.
As the peace initiative moves into its next phase, the effectiveness of the board and its ability to navigate political, economic, and security challenges will be closely watched by governments, aid organisations, and citizens across the region.
