Trump Administration Forms "Board of Peace" for Gaza Under White House Oversight

The Trump administration has unveiled its new "Board of Peace" for Gaza, set to be chaired by President Donald Trump. This initiative is intended to provide temporary governance and oversee reconstruction efforts in the war-torn region, marking a significant move in U.S. foreign policy.

Why It Matters

This board represents a critical phase in U.S. involvement in Middle Eastern geopolitics, particularly amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns in Gaza. The composition and direction of this board will not only influence the region’s governance but could also affect U.S. relations with both Israel and Palestinian authorities, raising questions about representation and accountability.

Key Developments

• The executive board is chaired by President Trump and includes prominent members such as former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, Marco Rubio, and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
• No women or Palestinians have been announced as members of the top-level board, although the White House indicated that additional members could be revealed in the coming weeks.
• The board members are expected to oversee critical areas essential for Gaza’s stabilization, although specific assignments have not yet been disclosed.

Full Report

Executive Board Composition

The founding executive board features key figures in U.S. foreign policy and business. Sir Tony Blair, the only non-U.S. citizen on the board, previously served as the UK Prime Minister and has voiced support for Trump’s plans, characterizing them as a potential pathway to ending the ongoing conflict.

Marco Rubio, serving as U.S. Secretary of State, has recently shifted his position on the Gaza conflict, initially opposing a ceasefire but praising a recent agreement as the best available option. Witkoff, known for his ties to Trump, has initiated the second phase of a strategy aimed at Gaza’s reconstruction and disarmament of Hamas.

Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, has been instrumental in mediation efforts relating to both the Israel-Gaza situation and broader geopolitical negotiations with Russia. His remarks about potential economic opportunities in Gaza underscore a focus on rebuilding efforts aimed at fostering future stability.

Prominent businessman Marc Rowan, who leads Apollo Global Management, and Ajay Banga, the president of the World Bank, were also included in the board. Banga has a history of advising U.S. politicians and could play a pivotal role in aligning financial resources with the board’s objectives.

The final member, Robert Gabriel, brings experience from his role as a national security adviser and ties to Trump’s earlier campaigns. Meanwhile, Nickolay Mladenov has been designated as the on-ground representative for the board in Gaza and will oversee a separate committee responsible for daily governance in the area.

Governance Structure

The board’s governance strategy centers around a recently formed Palestinian technocratic committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), led by Ali Shaath. This structure aims to facilitate localized governance solutions while addressing day-to-day challenges in post-conflict Gaza.

Context & Previous Events

The establishment of the "Board of Peace" comes on the heels of a lengthy conflict in Gaza, which has seen substantial loss of life and disruption. The involvement of key political figures from both within and outside the U.S. reflects a concerted effort to engage various stakeholders in addressing the pressing humanitarian and political crises complicating peace efforts in the region.

This initiative is part of a broader U.S. foreign policy strategy that emphasizes decisive action and leadership in international affairs, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has long posed complex challenges for American diplomacy.