White House says Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ will include Rubio, Kushner and Tony Blair
The White House has published the list of officials who will take part in the so-called “Peace Board”, which is tasked with overseeing the reconstruction of Gaza and the transition to the new administration.
The board, chosen by Donald Trump, who is also chairman of the board, includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, among others.
“The United States remains fully committed to supporting this transition framework, working in close partnership with Israel, key Arab countries, and the international community to achieve the goals of the Comprehensive Plan,” Friday’s statement said.
“The President calls on all parties to fully cooperate with NCAG, the Peace Board, and the International Stabilization Force to ensure the rapid and successful implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.”
Sir Tony’s inclusion in the list of board members may be controversial as he remains a divisive figure in the Middle East due to his role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
He later became the representative of the Quartet, consisting of the USA, the EU, Russia and the United Nations, aiming for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, but he resigned after being deemed too close to Israel.
“I’ve always liked Tony, but I want to know that he’s an acceptable choice for everyone,” Trump told reporters last October.
Former Labor Party leader Rubio and Kushner are joined on the board by World Bank president Ajay Banga, Marc Rowan, Robert Gabriel and US Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
Those selected are described as “leaders with experience in diplomacy, development, infrastructure and economic strategy.”
“Each member of the Board will oversee a defined portfolio critical to the stability and long-term success of Gaza, including but not limited to governance capacity building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, large-scale financing, and capital mobilization,” the White House said.
Additional Board of Directors and Gaza Executive Board members will be announced in the coming weeks.
More to follow…
