U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair are among the founding members of the Trump administration's newly formed "Board of Peace" for Gaza, according to a White House statement released Friday. The board, part of a 20-point plan to resolve the conflict between Israel and Hamas, will be chaired by former President Donald Trump and is expected to temporarily oversee the administration of Gaza and manage its reconstruction.
Steve Witkoff, Trump's Middle East envoy, and Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law, will also serve on the "founding executive board," the White House confirmed. Other members include Marc Rowan, head of a private equity firm; World Bank chief Ajay Banga; and U.S. National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel. The White House statement indicated that each member will have a specific portfolio "critical to Gaza's stabilization and long-term success."
Trump initially announced the board's formation on Thursday, describing it as the "Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place." Further appointments to the board are expected in the coming weeks, according to the White House.
The creation of the Board of Peace comes amid ongoing efforts to find a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in the Gaza Strip, which has been plagued by violence and instability for years. The board's mandate to oversee the running of Gaza and manage its reconstruction suggests a significant role in shaping the future of the region.
Tony Blair served as U.K. Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007 and has been involved in various international peace initiatives since leaving office. Marco Rubio has served as U.S. Secretary of State since [YEAR] and has been a prominent voice on foreign policy issues. The inclusion of figures from both the U.S. and the U.K. underscores the international dimension of the effort to stabilize Gaza.
The announcement of the Board of Peace follows previous attempts to mediate between Israel and Hamas, with varying degrees of success. The long-term impact of the board and its ability to achieve lasting peace in Gaza remains to be seen. The White House has not yet released specific details regarding the board's operational plans or its timeline for implementation.
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