In a highly controversial move, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the formation of a new oversight body called the “Board of Peace”, designed to implement his administration’s 20-point plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Among the founding executive members are former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, alongside other high-profile U.S. and international figures.
Key Members of the Board of Peace
According to the White House, the Board of Peace’s executive team will include:
- Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1997–2007)
- Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor
- Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State
- Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East
Additional members named include:
- Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management
- Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group
- Robert Gabriel, U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser
The board is tasked with overseeing Gaza’s stabilization, reconstruction, governance, and regional relations, as well as attracting investments and mobilizing capital for the beleaguered Palestinian territory.
High Representative and Gaza Executive Board
The White House also appointed Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian diplomat and former senior United Nations official, as High Representative for Gaza. Mladenov previously served as the UN’s top envoy to the region from 2015–2020, signaling a UN involvement in Trump’s plan, which experts say is essential for credibility.
A Gaza Executive Board has been created to manage day-to-day governance in Gaza under the Trump plan. Members include Blair, Kushner, Witkoff, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatari diplomat Ali Al Thawadi, and other officials. This board will support the Office of the High Representative and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), led by Palestinian technocrat Ali Shaath.
Shaath, a former Deputy Minister of Transportation for the Palestinian Authority and native of Khan Younis, Gaza, is expected to oversee local governance in lieu of Hamas, which has expressed willingness to step aside under Trump’s plan.
Military and Security Oversight
The announcement also revealed the appointment of U.S. Major-General Jasper Jeffers as Commander of the International Stabilisation Force for Gaza. He will lead operations in security, humanitarian aid delivery, and support for “comprehensive demilitarization” of the territory.
While the U.S. continues to insist that Hamas surrender its weapons, the Palestinian group has demanded guarantees before complying. Critics have questioned how demilitarization will be enforced while Israeli military operations continue amid the ongoing conflict.
Controversy Surrounding Blair and Kushner
The appointments of Blair and Kushner have triggered significant backlash:
- Tony Blair is widely criticized for his support of the U.S.-led “war on terror” and for backing the 2003 invasion of Iraq, a decision that sparked global outrage. His inclusion in the Board of Peace has been called “problematic” by many analysts, citing concerns over credibility and impartiality.
- Jared Kushner has previously argued that Palestinians are incapable of self-governance and has close ties to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces allegations of war crimes in Gaza. In 2024, Kushner controversially described Gaza’s waterfront property as “very valuable,” suggesting relocation of residents before reconstruction.
Critics argue that the selection of individuals with strong pro-Israel records undermines the board’s legitimacy. Ashish Prashar, a former aide to Blair, condemned the board on social media, stating:
“The future of Palestine should only be decided by Palestinians. Trump’s Board of Peace seems designed to serve an extractionist agenda rather than genuine peace.”
Context: Trump’s 20-Point Gaza Plan
Trump’s administration framed the plan as transitioning from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction. The initiative comes after over 71,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023 during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The plan divides responsibilities between the Board of Peace (strategic oversight) and the Gaza Executive Board (day-to-day operations), integrating both U.S. and UN oversight in governance and reconstruction efforts.
Reactions and Concerns
Palestinian political factions, including Hamas, have not yet responded publicly to the appointments. Analysts warn that continued Israeli military activity and restrictions on humanitarian aid may hinder the plan’s effectiveness, potentially exacerbating tensions in the region.
Al Jazeera correspondent Mike Hanna in Washington, DC, noted that while the UN component adds some legitimacy, the credibility of the Board of Peace depends heavily on local Palestinian acceptance, which remains uncertain.
Looking Ahead
The creation of the Board of Peace marks the latest U.S.-led effort to reshape governance in Gaza, raising questions about sovereignty, accountability, and the role of international actors. As the second phase of Trump’s plan moves forward, observers will closely monitor whether reconstruction, demilitarization, and governance reforms can be implemented amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.
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