Pictures courtesy of BBC

The Trump administration has unveiled a new initiative aimed at stabilising Gaza, appointing key figures like US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Tony Blair to a "Board of Peace." The White House announced that Trump will chair this board as part of his expansive plan to resolve the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Former UK Prime Minister Blair and others, such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will help oversee Gaza's rebuilding efforts.

The board forms a significant component of Trump’s 20-point peace initiative, which initially saw a ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas in October. The board is intended to manage Gaza’s reconstruction and ensure stability. Other members include Marc Rowan, World Bank chief Ajay Banga, and US national security adviser Robert Gabriel, each responsible for portfolios critical to Gaza's future.

Tony Blair, who served as UK Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007 and played a role in the Iraq War, also held the position of Middle East envoy post-office. The announcement comes alongside the creation of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, led by Ali Shaath, to govern Gaza’s daily affairs. Nickolay Mladenov, a former UN envoy, will liaise on the ground with this committee to coordinate efforts.

The peace plan is entering its second phase, which focusses on demilitarisation and reconstruction. US Major General Jasper Jeffers is set to lead an international stabilising force to train Palestinian police. On both sides, continuous accusations of violations and casualties are testing the fragile ceasefire. The dire humanitarian conditions point to the need for a continuous flow of aid and supplies.

The conflict erupted following a Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, resulting in significant casualties and ongoing violence. The plan's success and the future of Gaza's 2.1 million residents remain uncertain as the US and international partners push for a more stable peace, reported the BBC.

Key Takeaways

• Trump appoints key figures to oversee Gaza's reconstruction.

• Blair and Rubio are prominent names on the "Board of Peace."

• The peace initiative's next phase focuses on reconstruction and security.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2026-01-17

 

 

Typically BBC ignores the other appointees to the Peace Board and covers those who the usual suspects will disparage. Rubio and Blair are both strong on analysis and light on emotion.

Good choices but why does BBC ignore the other appointees like Dr. Ali Shaath (former Palestinian Authority deputy minister) and High Representative for Gaza: Nickolay Mladenov (Former UN Middle East envoy). Either ignorant or not wanting to provide balance, it's in their DNA.

"Board of Peace".

That sounds like something straight out of Orwell.

What will be next for Gaza, a "Ministry of Truth"?

But maybe not, we already have that in Hasbara, don't we?

21 hours ago, webfact said:

Board of Peace

Hopefully 🤔

16 hours ago, Donga said:

Typically BBC ignores the other appointees to the Peace Board and covers those who the usual suspects will disparage. Rubio and Blair are both strong on analysis and light on emotion.

Good choices but why does BBC ignore the other appointees like Dr. Ali Shaath (former Palestinian Authority deputy minister) and High Representative for Gaza: Nickolay Mladenov (Former UN Middle East envoy). Either ignorant or not wanting to provide balance, it's in their DNA.

Both Shaath, Mladenov and others are included in the source BBC report, a summary of which is provided as the OP:

“Either ignorant or not wanting to provide balance, it's in their DNA.”

Check mirror if you have one.

Blair and Rubio named on senior executive of Gaza 'Board...

The former UK prime minister and US secretary of state will sit on the "founding executive board", the White House says.

The first that will happen, if it hasn’t already, is to take control by whatever means necessary of the ‘Board of Peace’.

Those taking control will not be the weakest party in the conflict.

What a joke.

The war criminal Blair on a board of peace.

He should be in jail.

He is evil personified.

Blair is not known for being the Prime Minister of Peace and I would be surprised if he knows a way to bring peace to the region.

I wonder if Sir Anthony Lyndon Blair KG will find a slot for his BFF Peter Mandelson, who is currently between scandals - sorry I meant jobs!

I don't see that a 'Board of Peace' for Gaza has a chance to achieve much. But let's hope Hamas will be disarmed at least, because there's no solution to be found in further violence from either side.

It's my view, that without Israel's acceptance of a 'Two State' solution, hard to see how there is any way forward.

Tony Blair is not evil but he made disastrous mistakes and was extremely deluded/dishonest in following Bush into Iraq. I was climbing the wall watching the news for months as Blair pursued his hoped for 'Hero' status on Bush' coat tails . . . .

Sir Tony Bliar - it's sickening frankly !

No idea why the US, big supporters of Israel, is involved here at all. Should be Palestians and Israelis only.

First step is a referendum or election for Palestinians to decide if they still want Hamas or not. And, like it or not, the world, and Israel, has to respect their decision.

I can't imagine many ordinary Gazans were happy about the Oct 7 attack which gave Israel the perfect excuse.

Unblock - the answer to your question is simple. The USA is there to facilitate the 'talks' - these blood enemies won't meet otherwise.

I do agree that the USA are totally biased towards Israel's interests and will not 'Chair' with an even hand !

Moving on, apart from Trump's current malarkey with Greenland, think back to his barmy plan to make Gaza a massive holiday resort. What a prock he is !

A Committee chaired by Trump, who must approve every decision. Good Luck! 🤣

On 1/17/2026 at 1:00 AM, Donga said:

Typically BBC ignores the other appointees to the Peace Board and covers those who the usual suspects will disparage. Rubio and Blair are both strong on analysis and light on emotion.

Good choices but why does BBC ignore the other appointees like Dr. Ali Shaath (former Palestinian Authority deputy minister) and High Representative for Gaza: Nickolay Mladenov (Former UN Middle East envoy). Either ignorant or not wanting to provide balance, it's in their DNA.

PM Carney of Canada is also named.

The committee’s leader, Ali Shaath, an engineer and former Palestinian Authority official from Gaza, with other Palestinian Arabswill be leading the day to day administration of Gaza.

5 hours ago, TorquayFan said:

Unblock - the answer to your question is simple. The USA is there to facilitate the 'talks' - these blood enemies won't meet otherwise.

I do agree that the USA are totally biased towards Israel's interests and will not 'Chair' with an even hand !

Moving on, apart from Trump's current malarkey with Greenland, think back to his barmy plan to make Gaza a massive holiday resort. What a prock he is !

Gazan Arabs with credibility are going to be running Gaza, not Trump. Trump's committee focus is on restoring infrastructure and longterm civil society building. Carney from canada is pro-Palestinian Arab and his wife is even more unabashed in her socialist position.