Tony Blair says he’s ‘honoured’ to be on Trump’s Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ | EUROtoday

Sir Tony Blair has stated he’s “honoured” to be a part of Donald Trump’s Gaza “Board of Peace” tasked with overseeing the rebuilding of Gaza and the transition to a brand new administration.

The board, chosen by Donald Trump, who can be chairman of the board, contains Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and the previous UK Prime Minister, amongst others.

Sir Tony stated in a press release: “I thank President Trump for his leadership in establishing the Board of Peace and am honoured to be appointed to its executive board.

“It’s been an actual privilege to work with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and their excellent crew.

“I look forward to working with them and other colleagues in line with the president’s vision to promote peace and prosperity.”

He stated the president’s 20-point plan for Gaza was an “extraordinary achievement” and that implementing it would take “enormous commitment and hard work”.

Blair’s inclusion on the checklist of board members could also be controversial, as he stays a divisive determine within the Middle East as a consequence of his position within the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He later turned a consultant of the Quartet, a gaggle searching for peace between Israel and the Palestinians made up of the U.S., E.U., Russia and the United Nations, however stepped down after being deemed too near Israel.

“I’ve always liked Tony, but I want to find out that he’s an acceptable choice to everybody,” Trump informed reporters final October.

The former Labor chief, Rubio and Kushner are joined on the board by World Bank president Ajay Banga, Marc Rowan, Robert Gabriel, and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.

Those chosen are described as “leaders with experience across diplomacy, development, infrastructure, and economic strategy.”

“Each Executive Board member will oversee a defined portfolio critical to Gaza’s stabilization and long-term success, including, but not limited to, governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, large-scale funding, and capital mobilization,” the White House stated.

Additional Executive Board and Gaza Executive Board members might be introduced over the approaching weeks.

Friday’s announcement follows the creation of the 15-member Palestinian committee tasked with operating day by day affairs in Gaza within the aftermath of the Israeli bombardments, overseen by Ali Sha’ath, a former deputy minister within the Palestinian Authority.

“Dr Sha’ath brings deep experience in public administration, economic development, and international engagement, and is widely respected for his pragmatic, technocratic leadership and understanding of Gaza’s institutional realities,” the White House assertion added.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took impact on October 10, bringing to an finish two years of preventing between the 2 sides. It additionally introduced concerning the launch of all remaining hostages held in Gaza in trade for a whole bunch of Palestinians held by Israel.

The ceasefire has largely held, although each side accuse one another of ongoing violations. Israeli fireplace has killed greater than 400 Palestinians, based on Gaza well being officers. Israel says it has focused militants or responded to violations of the ceasefire, however the Palestinians say scores of civilians have been shot.

Palestinian militants, in the meantime, proceed to carry the stays of the final hostage — an Israeli police officer killed within the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, assault that triggered the battle.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear he’s in no rush to maneuver ahead till the stays are returned.