Tony Blair and Marco Rubio Join Trump Gaza Board of Peace

The names are prestigious, but the ground remains volatile. The Trump administration has unveiled the founding members of its Board of Peace for Gaza, a high-powered body tasked with overseeing the territory's reconstruction. The board features heavyweights like US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair.

Trump Gaza Board of Peace: Key Members and Mandate

According to a White House statement on Friday, President Trump will serve as chairman of the board. He's joined by his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff on the founding executive board. This group forms the backbone of Trump's 20-point plan to end the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The board also draws from the financial and diplomatic elite. Ajay Banga, head of the World Bank, and Marc Rowan, a private equity leader, will manage portfolios critical to Gaza's long-term stabilization. Trump described it as the "greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled."

Phase Two Challenges: Demilitarization and Governance

The peace plan entered its second phase in October, shifting focus to reconstruction and full demilitarization. While a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee (NCAG) handles day-to-day governance, Bulgarian politician Nickolay Mladenov will act as the board's representative on the ground in Gaza.

Despite these administrative steps, the humanitarian crisis persists. Since the ceasefire began, nearly 450 Palestinians have been killed in strikes, while the Israeli military reported 3 soldiers killed in attacks. The UN continues to stress the dire need for unrestricted aid for the 2.1 million people living in the territory.