The Trump administration has announced the formation of a ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, chaired by President Donald Trump, with high-profile members including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Canadian leader Mark Carney, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aimed at overseeing the reconstruction and governance of the war-torn territory.
The board was officially unveiled on January 16, 2026, as part of a United Nations-backed American plan to demilitarize and rebuild Gaza following two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas. Trump described it as the “Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled,” highlighting its role in his 20-point peace initiative.
In addition to Blair, Carney, and Rubio, the founding executive board includes Trump’s foreign-policy envoy Steve Witkoff, deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, billionaire Marc Rowan, and World Bank head Ajay Banga. Each member will be assigned a portfolio critical to Gaza’s stabilization and long-term success, according to a White House statement.
The establishment of the board coincides with the formation of a separate 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath, a former Palestinian Authority official. This committee will handle day-to-day governance, focusing on restoring public services and institutions to stabilize life in Gaza.
Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian politician and former UN Middle East envoy, has been appointed as the high representative for Gaza, working on the ground with the NCAG. Furthermore, an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) will be deployed, headed by US Major General Jasper Jeffers, to train and support vetted Palestinian police forces and ensure security.
The US peace plan, which came into force in October 2025, has entered its second phase, focusing on reconstruction and full demilitarization of Gaza. Steve Witkoff warned that Hamas must comply with obligations, including returning the body of the last dead Israeli hostage, or face consequences, underscoring the fragile nature of the ceasefire.
Tony Blair’s inclusion on the board has drawn attention due to his controversial legacy from the Iraq War and his previous role as a Middle East envoy. Despite criticism, his diplomatic experience, such as in brokering the Good Friday Agreement, is seen as valuable for the peace efforts in Gaza.
The board’s formation faces challenges, including opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who rejects Palestinian Authority involvement in Gaza and any notion of a Palestinian state. Israel had veto power over the technocratic committee members, ensuring no ties to Hamas or the PA.
As the plan moves forward, humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire, with ongoing violations of the ceasefire and significant casualties. The success of the Board of Peace will depend on coordinated international efforts, the compliance of all parties, and the effective implementation of governance and reconstruction initiatives.
