Blair, Carney, Rubio Join Trump’s Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ Initiative
In a significant initiative aimed at rebuilding Gaza, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio have joined the newly established “Board of Peace.” The board, chaired by former President Donald Trump, is part of an American plan, supported by the United Nations, to demilitarize and reconstruct the region following two years of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Composition of the Board of Peace
The board is composed of notable figures including:
- Steve Witkoff, Trump’s foreign-policy envoy
- Robert Gabriel, deputy national security adviser
- Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law
- Marc Rowan, billionaire businessman
- Ajay Banga, World Bank president
Additional members are yet to be named. The White House confirmed that each member will manage specific portfolios vital to Gaza’s stabilization and future success.
Background and Strategic Goals
Trump previously described the board as “the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled,” highlighting its importance. Notably absent from this board is any representation from the Palestinian Authority, which is expected to assume control of Gaza after extensive reforms.
Blair, who was Prime Minister of the UK until 2007 and previously led his country into the Iraq War, has faced criticism that affected his standing in the Arab world. He is joined by Dr. Ali Sha’ath, an experienced Palestinian from Gaza who will head a separate Palestinian technocratic committee, comprising 15 members responsible for day-to-day governance. This committee will focus on restoring essential services and institutions in Gaza.
Governance and International Oversight
Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian diplomat, will act as the high representative for Gaza. Under the U.S.-brokered agreement, the technocratic committee is intended to govern until a reformed Palestinian Authority takes charge. This shift is envisioned as a pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
Challenges Ahead
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed opposition to involving the Palestinian Authority in managing Gaza, making clear that any elements associated with Hamas are unwelcome. An Israeli official indicated that the Shin Bet, the nation’s internal security agency, approved the committee’s 15 nominees.
Additionally, a “Gaza executive board” is being formed, consisting of officials from various nations, including Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. This board will work alongside the “Board of Peace” and the technocratic committee to support governance efforts in Gaza.
As the initiative unfolds, its success will depend on cooperation among these diverse stakeholders, all aiming to bring stability and reconstruction to Gaza’s beleaguered populace.
