Donald Trump has announced the creation of a new Gaza “board of peace,” an international body designed to oversee the next phase of reconstruction and governance in the war-ravaged territory. Serving as its chair, Trump described it as the “Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place.” The "Founding Executive Board" includes several prominent figures: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Trump’s special envoy and property developer Steve Witkoff, World Bank President Ajay Banga, Trump’s son-in-law and long-time adviser Jared Kushner, Apollo private equity firm boss Marc Rowan, and Trump’s assistant for policy, Robert Gabriel. The White House stated that each executive board member will oversee a defined portfolio critical to Gaza’s stabilization and long-term success, encompassing areas such as governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, large-scale funding, and capital mobilization.

The United States has affirmed its commitment to supporting this transitional framework in close partnership with Israel, key Arab nations, and the international community. Further appointments to the board are expected, with British officials even floating the idea of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer joining. Beyond the core executive board, Aryeh Lightstone and Josh Gruenbaum have been appointed as senior advisers to oversee day-to-day strategy and operations, while Nickolay Mladenov, a former UN envoy to the Middle East, will serve as the High Representative for Gaza. Additionally, Maj Gen Jasper Jeffers, former head of US special forces, is set to lead an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to oversee security across the territory.

Tony Blair's inclusion on the board has proven contentious, reflecting his divisive image in the Middle East due to his role in the 2003 Iraq invasion. Despite previously serving as special representative of the Quartet (US, EU, Russia, UN) for Middle East peace, he was often perceived as too close to the Israelis. Trump himself acknowledged the need for Blair to be an “acceptable choice to everybody.”

The formation of this board follows a US-brokered peace plan launched on October 10, which secured the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas and a cessation of fighting between Israel and the militant group. The peace plan's first phase focused on de-radicalization and ceasefire, while the second phase is now set to focus on redevelopment. Complementing the international board, a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), has been created to run day-to-day affairs in post-war Gaza. This body is headed by Ali Sha’ath, a Gaza native and former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority, recognized for his deep experience in public administration, economic development, and international engagement.

However, the peace process continues to face significant challenges, with reports of ongoing aid shortages and sporadic violence. Israel has also reportedly demolished thousands of structures, including homes and greenhouses, in parts of Gaza it still controls since the ceasefire. Hamas has yet to publicly commit to full disarmament, a key Israeli demand and a contentious element of the long-term settlement. Democratic congresswoman Rosa DeLauro highlighted that the success of phase two depends on the full implementation of phase one, which she noted is still lacking in critical areas such as humanitarian aid delivery, cessation of Israeli military strikes, and the return of all hostages.

The board's formation has also drawn criticism, with political scientist Seth Masket suggesting its name is undermined by Trump’s past bellicose actions. There are also reports that US officials have floated the idea of broadening the Board of Peace’s remit to mediate in other global hotspots like Ukraine and Venezuela, seeing it as a potential substitute for the UN. This expanded role has reportedly raised concerns among Western and Arab diplomats.