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Tony Blair and Canadian Prime Minister join Gaza peace board reconstruction

A new international body has been unveiled to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza after years of conflict.  

The “Board of Peace,” chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump, is part of a United Nations-backed American initiative aimed at demilitarizing Gaza and rebuilding the enclave following the prolonged war between Israel and Hamas.  

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio are among the key members. 

The board will coordinate stabilization efforts, attract global investment, and guide development projects across Gaza.  

Other founding members include Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel, Jared Kushner, investor Marc Rowan, and World Bank president Ajay Banga.  

Invitations have also gone out to several world leaders. Turkey confirmed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was invited, Argentina’s President Javier Milei publicly accepted, while Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is reviewing his invitation.  

Notably, the Palestinian Authority was excluded from the board, despite expectations that it would eventually assume control of Gaza after reforms. 

The decision has drawn criticism, with Islamic Jihad accusing the board of serving Israeli interests.  

Blair’s inclusion has also sparked debate. His legacy in the Middle East remains divisive due to Britain’s role in the Iraq war and his later work as a regional envoy, where Palestinians often accused him of siding with Israel.  

Under the U.S. framework, Gaza’s daily affairs will be managed by a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath. The committee is tasked with restoring services and rebuilding institutions.  

Former UN Middle East peace coordinator Nickolay Mladenov has been appointed as high representative for Gaza, serving as a link between the committee, the Board of Peace, and regional partners.  

The plan envisions the committee running Gaza temporarily until a restructured Palestinian Authority takes over. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected any role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza and continues to oppose Palestinian statehood.  

Israeli officials confirmed they vetted all 15 committee members to ensure no links to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.  

A separate Gaza executive board has also been formed, bringing together officials from Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and the UAE, alongside representatives from the Board of Peace and the technocratic committee.  

Israel has criticized this move, saying the executive board was not coordinated with its authorities. Netanyahu has directed Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to raise objections directly with Rubio.