U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former U.K. Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair were named as founding members of the Trump administration's "Board of Peace" for Gaza, the White House announced on Friday. The board, intended to temporarily oversee the running of Gaza and manage its reconstruction, also includes Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner, Marc Rowan, head of a private equity firm, World Bank chief Ajay Banga, and U.S. National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel.
According to the White House statement, each member will have a portfolio "critical to Gaza's stabilization and long-term success." The board is part of President Trump's 20-point plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas. Trump described the board on Thursday as the "Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place."
The formation of the "Board of Peace" comes as international efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continue. The board's mandate to oversee the running of Gaza and manage its reconstruction raises questions about the future governance of the territory, which has been under Hamas control since 2007. The involvement of figures like Blair, who has previously served as a Middle East envoy, suggests a desire for international cooperation in the reconstruction effort.
Further members of the board are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, according to the White House. The specific roles and responsibilities of each member will likely be clarified as the board begins its work. The success of the board will depend on its ability to navigate the complex political and security challenges in Gaza and to secure the necessary funding and resources for reconstruction.
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