Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’: Tony Blair, Marco Rubio, and a 20-Point Plan to Rebuild Gaza

Brainx Perspective

At Brainx, we believe the formation of this high-profile “Board of Peace” signals a paradigm shift in Middle East diplomacy—moving from traditional statecraft to a corporate-style “turnaround management” strategy. The inclusion of figures like Tony Blair alongside Trump loyalists highlights a bold, albeit controversial, attempt to merge global diplomatic experience with the Trump administration’s aggressive, transaction-based approach to conflict resolution.

The News: A New Architecture for Gaza

The Trump administration has officially unveiled the leadership structure for its ambitious “Board of Peace,” a body designed to oversee the stabilization, governance, and eventual reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. In a move that blends seasoned political heavyweights with financial titans, the White House announced on Friday that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair will serve on the founding executive board.

This development is part of President Trump’s comprehensive 20-point plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas, aiming to transition the region from active conflict to economic revitalization.

Key Appointments and Structure

The administration has outlined a sophisticated, multi-tiered hierarchy to manage the post-war reality in Gaza. The structure is divided into high-level strategic oversight and on-the-ground management.

The Founding Executive Board: This top-tier body will focus on high-level diplomacy, securing international investment, and setting the strategic direction for reconstruction.

• Chairman: President Donald Trump will personally chair the board.
• Key Members:
  • Sir Tony Blair: The former UK Prime Minister is the only non-US citizen on the founding executive. His inclusion brings decades of Middle East experience, despite the controversy surrounding his role in the 2003 Iraq War.
  • Marco Rubio: As US Secretary of State, Rubio brings the full weight of American diplomatic power.
  • Jared Kushner: The President’s son-in-law and architect of the Abraham Accords returns to a central role in Middle East policy.
  • Steve Witkoff: Trump’s Middle East envoy, who has been instrumental in drafting the peace plan.
  • Ajay Banga: The World Bank chief’s presence signals a strong focus on economic financing and institutional support.
  • Marc Rowan: Head of a major private equity firm, representing the private sector’s role in rebuilding.
  • Robert Gabriel: US National Security Adviser.

The Gaza Executive Board & The NCAG: While the “Founding Board” handles strategy, the “Gaza Executive Board” will oversee the practical implementation.

• Mission: This board manages the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee charged with day-to-day governance (schools, hospitals, utilities).
• Leadership:
  • Ali Shaath: A former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority, Shaath will head the NCAG, providing a Palestinian face to the governance efforts.
  • Nickolay Mladenov: The former UN envoy and Bulgarian politician will serve as the international representative on the ground, acting as the liaison between the Board and the Palestinian committee.

Security and Enforcement

A critical component of the plan is the establishment of security to prevent a resurgence of Hamas or other militant groups.

• International Stabilisation Force (ISF): A dedicated force will be deployed to train vetted Palestinian police.
• Leadership: US Major General Jasper Jeffers has been appointed to command this force. His mandate is to “establish security, preserve peace, and establish a durable terror-free environment.”

International Reaction and Expansion

President Trump has described the body as the “Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled.” Efforts to recruit global leaders are ongoing:

• Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney (noted in reports as Canadian PM, implying a future or hypothetical political context in 2026) has accepted an invitation to join.
• Argentina: President Javier Milei enthusiastically accepted, calling it “an honour.”
• Egypt: President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has received an invitation, with foreign ministers stating they are “studying the matter”—a crucial endorsement needed given Egypt’s border with Gaza.

Deep Analysis: The Strategy Behind the Names

1. The Return of Tony Blair The appointment of Sir Tony Blair is perhaps the most intriguing element of this announcement. Blair served as the Middle East envoy for the Quartet (UN, US, EU, Russia) for years after leaving Downing Street.

• The Asset: He possesses an unmatched contact book in the region and a deep understanding of the “two-state solution” mechanics. His relationship with Trump’s team, particularly Kushner and Witkoff, has reportedly been “very comprehensive.”
• The Liability: Blair remains a polarizing figure due to the Iraq War. UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting noted that while Blair’s skills in statecraft are undeniable (citing the Good Friday Agreement), his involvement will “raise some eyebrows” globally.

2. The Corporate Approach to Nation Building The composition of the board—featuring private equity moguls like Marc Rowan and World Bank leadership—suggests that the Trump administration views the reconstruction of Gaza as an investment project as much as a humanitarian one. The goal appears to be creating economic incentives for peace, a hallmark of Kushner’s previous “Peace to Prosperity” proposals.

3. The Fragile Reality on the Ground While the boardroom fills with elites, the situation in Gaza remains perilous. The US peace plan is currently in Phase Two, which demands full demilitarization and the disarmament of Hamas.

• Violations: The ceasefire is tenuous. Since it came into force in October, nearly 450 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have been killed in sporadic violence.
• Ultimatums: Envoy Steve Witkoff has issued stark warnings: “The US expects Hamas to comply fully… Failure to do so will bring serious consequences.”

Why It Matters

For the common man and the global community, this development matters because it represents the most concrete, high-level roadmap for ending the devastation in Gaza. If successful, this “Board of Peace” could finally break the cycle of destruction and reconstruction that has plagued the region for decades, potentially offering a new model where economic stability leads political peace. However, if the technocratic approach ignores the deep-seated political grievances of the Palestinian people, it risks becoming another well-funded failure in the history of Middle East diplomacy.