Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has been removed from consideration for a position on a U.S.-led Gaza peace board chaired by President Donald Trump, following significant pressure from Arab and Muslim states. The Financial Times reports that Blair’s controversial legacy in the Middle East—particularly his role in the 2003 Iraq invasion and his criticized tenure as Middle East Peace Envoy—proved too contentious for regional acceptance.
While the precise structure of this proposed ‘board of peace’ remains undefined, sources indicate it will consist exclusively of serving world leaders, with a subordinate executive board potentially including Blair alongside Trump advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Despite this setback, informed sources suggest Blair may still secure a role in future Gaza governance structures, noting that ‘The Americans like him and the Israelis like him.’
The development occurs amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize Gaza. President Trump is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on December 29th to discuss ceasefire implementation and postwar planning. However, substantial disagreements persist regarding Hamas disarmament, Gaza’s future governance, and the composition of an international stabilization force—a key element of Trump’s peace plan that appears to have stalled.
Meanwhile, the Gaza Government Media Office reports that Israel has committed 738 violations since the October ceasefire announcement, fulfilling less than 40% of its humanitarian obligations and exacerbating the crisis for Palestinians living under blockade and military pressure.