U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former U.K. Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair are among the initial members named to a "Board of Peace" for Gaza, the Trump administration announced Friday. The board, intended to temporarily manage Gaza and oversee its reconstruction, will also include 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 a White House statement.
President Trump will serve as chairman of the board, which is part of his broader 20-point plan aimed at resolving the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The White House indicated that each member will be assigned a portfolio crucial to the stabilization and long-term success of Gaza.
Trump had previously described the board 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 formation of the "Board of Peace" comes amid ongoing efforts to address the complex political and humanitarian situation in Gaza. The territory has faced significant challenges, including infrastructure damage, economic hardship, and political instability, exacerbated by years of conflict. The board's stated objective is to provide temporary governance and manage the reconstruction process, although specific details regarding its operational mandate and powers remain to be clarified.
Sir Tony Blair served as the 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. The involvement of figures from both the political and financial sectors suggests a multifaceted approach to addressing Gaza's challenges, encompassing both governance and economic development.
The announcement of the board follows increasing international pressure to find a sustainable solution for Gaza. The territory's future remains uncertain, and the effectiveness of the "Board of Peace" will depend on its ability to navigate the complex political landscape and secure the cooperation of all relevant parties. The White House has not yet released a detailed timeline for the board's operations or specific metrics for measuring its success.
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