Shocking Revelations: Who's on Trump's 'Board of Peace' for Gaza & What It Means for America?

The White House has unveiled the members of the Trump administration's new "Board of Peace" for Gaza, aimed at overseeing temporary governance and reconstruction efforts in the region. With President Trump serving as chair, the founding Executive Board will guide a committee of technocrats tasked with stabilizing Gaza following ongoing conflicts. However, the board's composition has raised eyebrows, particularly due to the absence of female members and the contentious history of some board members.

Among the notable figures is Sir Tony Blair, the former UK Prime Minister who led the country from 1997 to 2007 and was pivotal in the Iraq War decision in 2003. Blair's involvement has sparked controversy, yet he was previously the Middle East envoy for the Quartet—comprising the United Nations, European Union, U.S., and Russia—from 2007 to 2015. He has referred to Trump's plans for Gaza as the "best chance of ending two years of war, misery, and suffering." Blair is the only non-U.S. citizen on the board.

Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, occupies a critical role in shaping the administration's foreign policy. Previously advocating for a hardline stance against Hamas, he has subsequently praised parts of the ceasefire agreement reached in October. His evolving rhetoric indicates a nuanced approach, as he also criticized the Israeli parliament's moves toward West Bank annexation.

The board also includes Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East and a notable real estate magnate. Recently, Witkoff announced the initiation of phase two of Trump's plan for Gaza, which encompasses both reconstruction and the complete demilitarization of the region, mandating Hamas to comply with specified obligations under the deal or face "serious consequences."

Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, is another central figure, having previously mediated various U.S. foreign policy negotiations, including those related to Israel and Gaza. In a recent discussion, he highlighted the potential economic benefits of Gaza's waterfront properties, suggesting that fostering livelihoods could be beneficial for long-term stability.

Additionally, billionaire Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management, is a board member. Rowan was previously considered for the role of U.S. Treasury Secretary during Trump's second term, showcasing his continuing influence in the administration.

Ajay Banga, the president of the World Bank and former CEO of Mastercard, is also part of this strategic team. His appointment reflects a blend of international finance and diplomatic experience, having advised several senior U.S. politicians, including Barack Obama.

The final members include Robert Gabriel, who has been involved in national security advisory roles since Trump’s 2016 campaign, and Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian politician and former UN Middle East envoy. Mladenov will oversee a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which will manage everyday governance in the war-torn area.

This new initiative underscores the U.S. involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the board's diverse backgrounds suggesting a complex approach to governance and peace-building efforts in the region. However, the board's composition and the strategies proposed will likely spark further debate regarding their effectiveness and inclusivity in achieving peace in Gaza.