By Michelle Ndaga
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed uncertainty over whether former British Prime Minister Tony Blair would be accepted as a member of a proposed “Board of Peace” meant to oversee governance in Gaza.
The remarks came during a flight to Israel amid diplomatic efforts to solidify a ceasefire and set the stage for post-war reconstruction.
Blair was named in a peace plan floated by the White House in September, which envisions a transitional governance body for Gaza chaired by Trump. However, Trump said he needs to establish that Blair would be “acceptable to everybody,” and “popular with all because I just don’t know that.”
Blair’s potential involvement has drawn both support and criticism. While the Palestinian Authority has signaled a willingness to collaborate with Blair in reconstruction, Palestinian political actors, analysts, and even members of Blair’s own Labour Party have raised concerns. Much of the criticism centers on his legacy from the 2003 Iraq War, particularly over the failure to locate weapons of mass destruction.
The “Board of Peace” is a central component of Trump’s broader peace plan. It is intended to help manage Gaza’s recovery, international aid delivery, and eventually transition governance to a reformed Palestinian Authority. Trump’s administration is also preparing for a summit in Egypt with world leaders to formally end the Gaza war, following a ceasefire that has been in effect for several days.
