The Trump administration has announced the formation of a new governance body called the “Board of Peace” aimed at overseeing the postwar management of Gaza. The White House has appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as founding members, alongside several other influential figures, including Jared Kushner, who is also President Donald Trump‘s son-in-law. Trump will serve as the chairman of this newly established board.
According to a statement from the White House, the board’s members will each oversee specific portfolios related to Gaza’s stability. Additional members include Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Middle East envoy, and prominent business leaders Marc Rowan, Ajay Banga, and Robert Gabriel. The administration intends for this board to play a crucial role in managing reconstruction efforts in Gaza and providing oversight during a transitional administration period.
Board Objectives and Future Membership
The White House has characterized the establishment of the board as part of a larger, ambitious 20-point peace plan. In a statement on Thursday, Trump described the panel as the “Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place.” The administration plans to reveal additional members in the coming weeks, enhancing the board’s international representation.
In a notable development, a senior official from Canada indicated that Prime Minister Mark Carney has received an invitation to join the board, with plans for him to accept, as reported by CBC News. Moreover, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has also been invited, according to Egypt’s Foreign Minister, who added that the government is currently reviewing the proposal.
Blair, the board’s only non-U.S. citizen founding member, expressed his honor at being appointed. He stated, “I look forward to working with them and other colleagues in line with the president’s vision to promote peace and prosperity.” Blair served as the UK Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007 and later acted as a Middle East envoy for the Quartet.
Additional Governance and Security Initiatives
The administration’s plans include the formation of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, known as the NCAG, which will be led by Ali Shaath. This committee is expected to work closely with the Board of Peace. Nickolay Mladenov has been designated to represent the board on the ground in Gaza, further emphasizing the commitment to establish effective governance in the region.
In addition to the governance body, the plan outlines the creation of an International Stabilisation Force for Gaza. The White House announced that U.S. Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers will lead this initiative, underscoring the administration’s strategic approach to ensuring stability and security in the area.
As these developments unfold, the international community will be closely watching how the Board of Peace and its initiatives will impact the long-standing challenges faced by Gaza and its residents.
