The White House has officially released the names of the founding members of President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” for Gaza, a high-profile international body tasked with overseeing the reconstruction, demilitarization, and stabilization of the war-torn Palestinian enclave. With Trump himself serving as chair, the board is designed to work alongside a technocratic committee responsible for Gaza’s day-to-day governance, while providing strategic oversight, funding guidance, and diplomatic coordination.
The announcement comes amid cautious optimism over a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, but it has also raised questions about legitimacy, representation, and the future of Palestinian governance.
The Purpose of the Board of Peace
According to the White House, each member of the executive board will be assigned a portfolio “critical to Gaza’s stabilization”, ranging from reconstruction and economic development to security, humanitarian aid, and international diplomacy.
The technocratic committee, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), will manage daily governance under the board’s supervision. Chaired by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister of the Palestinian Authority, the committee will oversee basic services, institutional restoration, and civil administration, while the board focuses on broader strategic priorities.
While the initiative is presented as a UN-backed, US-led effort, critics note the absence of Palestinian representatives on the executive board and the lack of women among its founding members. The White House has stated that additional members will be announced in the coming weeks.
Founding Members of the Board
Sir Tony Blair
Tony Blair, former British prime minister (1997–2007), is the only non-US member of the founding board. Blair’s inclusion is significant, given his extensive experience in the Middle East. He served as the Quartet’s Middle East envoy from 2007 to 2015, working on behalf of the United Nations, European Union, United States, and Russia to advance peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Blair is a polarizing figure in the region. His support for the 2003 Iraq War damaged his standing in Arab countries, and many Palestinians viewed him as overly sympathetic to Israeli policies. Nonetheless, Blair has described Trump’s Gaza plan as the “best chance of ending two years of war, misery, and suffering.”
His role on the board is expected to focus on diplomatic coordination and governance reform, leveraging his experience in post-conflict administration.
Marco Rubio
Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, brings a strong political and policy background to the board. Rubio has been a vocal supporter of Israel, previously opposing ceasefire initiatives that he felt would limit Israel’s capacity to target Hamas infrastructure. However, he has praised the first phase of the current Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal as a practical approach to stabilizing Gaza.
Rubio has also publicly opposed Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank, highlighting a nuanced approach that balances US support for Israel with regional stability. On the board, Rubio is expected to handle diplomatic and policy coordination, particularly with respect to Israeli compliance and regional security partnerships.
Steve Witkoff
Steve Witkoff, US Special Envoy to the Middle East and a real estate magnate with personal ties to Trump, is tasked with overseeing the demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza.
Witkoff recently announced the start of phase two of the US plan, which includes disarming Hamas and rebuilding the enclave’s infrastructure. He has emphasized that Hamas must “comply fully with its obligations” or face consequences, reflecting a hardline approach to security and enforcement.
In addition to Gaza, Witkoff has participated in broader peace efforts, including negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss conflict resolution strategies.
Jared Kushner
Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor, has played a central role in US-led peace negotiations, particularly in the Israel-Gaza and Russia-Ukraine conflicts.
Kushner has advocated for economic development as a path to stability. In a 2024 talk at Harvard University, he noted that “Gaza’s waterfront property could be very valuable… if people would focus on building up livelihoods.”
On the board, Kushner’s responsibilities are likely to combine mediation, economic development oversight, and international coordination, continuing his pattern of integrating diplomacy with infrastructure and investment initiatives.
Marc Rowan
Marc Rowan, billionaire CEO of Apollo Global Management, brings a private sector perspective to the board. Rowan has been linked to US Treasury discussions during Trump’s second term and is expected to play a key role in financial oversight, investment planning, and funding allocation for Gaza reconstruction projects.
Ajay Banga
Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank, is responsible for leveraging global development expertise. Banga, born in India and naturalized as a US citizen in 2007, has served as CEO of Mastercard and advised multiple US administrations, including Barack Obama’s.
His presence ensures that international financial institutions are represented on the board, a critical factor for coordinating foreign aid, loans, and private investment in post-conflict Gaza.
Robert Gabriel
Robert Gabriel, a US national security adviser with longstanding ties to Trump’s political network, rounds out the founding board. Gabriel has experience in policy coordination and intelligence analysis and is expected to support strategic oversight of security and counterterrorism measures, complementing the board’s broader diplomatic and development efforts.
Nickolay Mladenov
Although not a member of the executive board itself, Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian politician and former UN Middle East envoy, will serve as the board’s on-the-ground representative in Gaza.
Mladenov will supervise the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which includes 15 Palestinian technocrats led by Ali Shaath, a former PA deputy minister. The NCAG is tasked with daily governance, service delivery, and institutional rebuilding while reporting to the board.
How the Board Fits Into Gaza Governance
The governance structure for Gaza under the US plan is carefully delineated:
- Executive Board (Trump-led): Strategic oversight, funding, diplomacy, and portfolio management.
- Technocratic Committee (NCAG): Day-to-day administration, infrastructure restoration, and civil services.
- High Representative (Mladenov): Liaison between Gaza, international organizations, and the executive board.
This separation of roles is designed to balance local governance expertise with international oversight, ensuring that reconstruction and security measures proceed while reducing direct political friction.
Criticisms and Controversies
Despite its ambitious scope, the board has drawn criticism on several fronts:
- Lack of Palestinian Representation: No Palestinians have been included on the founding executive board, raising concerns about legitimacy and inclusivity.
- Gender Imbalance: No women are currently listed as founding members.
- Perceived Bias: Members like Blair and Kushner have been criticized for pro-Israel stances, which may affect perceptions of neutrality.
- Enforcement Authority: The board’s authority to enforce compliance, particularly with Hamas, is unclear and may encounter resistance.
Critics argue that while the technocratic committee may handle governance, long-term political reconciliation requires a more inclusive approach that includes Palestinians in meaningful decision-making roles.
Potential Impact on Gaza
If implemented effectively, the board could:
- Rebuild critical infrastructure damaged in two years of conflict.
- Stabilize Gaza’s security environment by demilitarizing factions like Hamas.
- Facilitate economic development through international investment and aid.
- Strengthen governance and institutional capacity through the technocratic committee.
However, success hinges on cooperation between local Palestinian actors, Israel, and international stakeholders, a challenge given historical mistrust and ongoing regional tensions.
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FAQs
Who chairs the Board of Peace?
US President Donald Trump serves as chair of the founding executive board.
Who manages day-to-day governance in Gaza?
A 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, the NCAG, led by Ali Shaath, oversees daily administration.
Is Tony Blair’s inclusion controversial?
Yes. Blair’s history in the Iraq War and perceived pro-Israel stance make his role contentious among some Palestinians and Arab states.
Are there any Palestinian members on the executive board?
No Palestinian representatives have been named to the board.
What is the board’s main goal?
To oversee reconstruction, demilitarization, governance reform, and stabilization of Gaza following two years of war.
How does the board interact with Israel?
The board coordinates with Israel, particularly on security and demilitarization measures, while aiming to maintain the ceasefire and prevent further conflict.
Will women be included on the board?
Currently, no women are listed as founding members, but the White House has indicated that additional members will be announced.
Conclusion
Trump’s “Board of Peace” represents an ambitious attempt to combine political influence, financial expertise, and international diplomacy to stabilize Gaza after years of conflict. With a mix of former heads of state, US policymakers, financiers, and global development leaders, the board reflects the Trump administration’s approach of blending governance, security, and economic reconstruction.
