WASHINGTON D.C. – The White House has officially announced the members of President Donald Trump’s newly established “Board of Peace”, designed to oversee the temporary governance and reconstruction of Gaza following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The board will be chaired by Trump himself and will coordinate a team of technocrats responsible for stabilizing the region.
Each member of the executive board is expected to oversee a portfolio critical to Gaza’s stabilization, although the White House has not yet specified which members will manage which priorities. Notably, no women have been announced as part of the founding executive board.
Founding Executive Board Members
Sir Tony Blair – The former UK Prime Minister (1997–2007) is the only non-US citizen on the board. Blair also served as the Middle East envoy for the Quartet of international powers from 2007 to 2015. He has described Trump’s plan for Gaza as the “best chance of ending two years of war, misery, and suffering.” Blair’s previous role in the Iraq War may make his presence on the board controversial for some observers.
Marco Rubio – As the US Secretary of State, Rubio plays a central role in Trump’s foreign policy strategy. While he initially opposed a ceasefire in Gaza, calling for Israel to “destroy every element of Hamas,” he later praised the first phase of the ceasefire signed in October 2025 as “the best and only plan.” He has also criticized moves by the Israeli parliament toward annexation of parts of the West Bank.
Steve Witkoff – The US Special Envoy to the Middle East, real estate magnate, and Trump associate, Witkoff will oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and the full demilitarization of the territory, including disarmament of Hamas. He has previously been involved in US-led efforts to mediate the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including a December 2025 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Jared Kushner – Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor, Kushner has played a key role in peace negotiations for both Gaza-Israel and Russia-Ukraine conflicts. He has met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss critical aspects of the Gaza peace plan. In 2024, Kushner highlighted Gaza’s potential for economic development, particularly along its waterfront property.
Marc Rowan – Billionaire CEO of Apollo Global Management, Rowan brings financial and management expertise to the board. He was previously considered as a potential US Treasury Secretary candidate for Trump’s second term.
Ajay Banga – President of the World Bank and former CEO of Mastercard, Banga advises senior US policymakers and brings expertise in finance and global development. Banga, originally from India, became a US citizen in 2007.
Robert Gabriel – A US national security adviser and longtime Trump associate, Gabriel has been involved with the administration since Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. He previously served as special assistant to Stephen Miller, a senior Trump adviser.
On-the-Ground Oversight in Gaza
Nickolay Mladenov, former UN Middle East envoy from Bulgaria, will act as the board’s representative in Gaza. He will supervise a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), responsible for day-to-day governance.
The NCAG will be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank not under Israeli control. The committee will focus on administration, reconstruction, and coordination with international organizations.
Objectives and Challenges
The board’s main goals include:
-
Rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure damaged during the conflict
-
Ensuring security and demilitarization of Hamas
-
Supporting economic and humanitarian development
-
Coordinating between local authorities and international donors
Observers note that the absence of women on the executive board may spark criticism. Additionally, allocating specific portfolios to each member is expected to be crucial for ensuring the board’s effectiveness.
Trump has described the Board of Peace as “an unprecedented approach to bring stability and hope to Gaza.” The initiative reflects the administration’s broader foreign policy strategy of direct US oversight in post-conflict regions.
Reactions
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions:
-
Supporters highlight the board’s combination of diplomatic, political, and financial expertise.
-
Critics question the inclusion of controversial figures like Blair and argue that no local Palestinian women are represented.
-
International observers note that the board’s success depends on cooperation from both Israeli authorities and local Palestinian stakeholders.
The board’s work will begin immediately, with the first priorities focusing on Gaza’s security and the reconstruction of critical infrastructure.
Comments
Post a Comment