In a significant diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump has established a high-profile “board of peace” as part of the ongoing efforts to stabilize Gaza following recent conflicts. The newly formed seven-member executive board will be chaired by Trump himself and includes prominent international figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The board’s composition, announced by the White House on Friday, also features Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, son-in-law Jared Kushner, and World Bank President Ajay Banga. Additional members are expected to be appointed in the coming weeks, according to official statements.
This development represents Phase Two of the US-backed peace plan that initially took effect on October 10, 2025, which previously facilitated the release of all Hamas-held hostages and ended active combat between the Palestinian militant group and Israeli forces in the besieged territory.
The selection of Tony Blair raises particular interest given his controversial legacy in Middle Eastern affairs, specifically his role in the 2003 Iraq invasion. President Trump acknowledged these concerns, noting he had sought to ensure Blair would be “an acceptable choice to everybody” involved in the peace process.
Concurrent with the board’s establishment, a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee has been formed to handle Gaza’s daily governance, headed by Gaza native and former Palestinian Authority deputy minister Ali Shaath. Additionally, US Major General Jasper Jeffers has been appointed to lead the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza.
Despite these structural advancements, the peace initiative faces ongoing challenges including allegations of aid shortages, sporadic violence, and Hamas’s continued reluctance to commit to full disarmament—a non-negotiable condition from Israel.