Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair has been appointed to a high-level international board charged with securing the future of the Gaza Strip, as part of a major US-led peace initiative.
A 'Prestigious' Board Assembled
US President Donald Trump announced the formation of a new 'Board of Peace', which he described in a social media post as "the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place." President Trump will himself serve as the board's chairman.
The White House stated that Sir Tony Blair is a member of this board's founding executive body. He will be joined by several prominent figures from the Trump administration and the international community.
Key Figures and Their Roles
The board's membership includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the president's son-in-law and plan negotiator Jared Kushner, and Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff. Other named members are billionaire Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and US Deputy National Security Adviser Robert Gabriel.
Each member will oversee a specific portfolio deemed critical to Gaza's stabilisation and long-term success, according to the official announcement.
A separate 'Gaza Executive Board', which also includes Sir Tony, Mr Rubio, and Mr Kushner, will be responsible for supporting effective governance and service delivery to advance peace and prosperity.
On-the-Ground Administration and Security
The plan also establishes a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), to be led by technocrat Ali Sha'ath. This committee will focus on restoring public services, rebuilding civil institutions, and stabilising daily life.
Former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov has been appointed as High Representative for Gaza, acting as the crucial link between the Board of Peace and the NCAG.
For security, Major General Jasper Jeffers will command an International Stabilisation Force. This force will handle security operations, demilitarisation, and ensuring the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials.
The context for this ambitious plan is the conflict that began with the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Israel's subsequent military offensive, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, lasted two years and resulted in a further 70,000 fatalities. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since October 2025, though it has been marred by sporadic violence.
