Tony Blair Expected to Lead International Gaza Reconstruction Board

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been chosen by U.S. President Donald Trump to play a central role in a controversial 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. Blair, whose legacy includes the Good Friday Agreement but is also overshadowed by the Iraq War, is positioned to be a key member of an international "Board of Peace" that would govern Gaza during a transitional period. The plan envisions Gaza’s reconstruction and governance by a technocratic committee largely composed of Palestinians, with Blair basing himself in the region to oversee funding and ensure effective administration. While Blair’s experience in diplomacy and conflict resolution is noted by supporters, his appointment has sparked criticism from Palestinians and Hamas, who were not consulted and view his involvement as a Western-imposed governance experiment. Trump’s endorsement marks a shift from his earlier plans to relocate Palestinians, instead focusing on rebuilding Gaza within a regional framework supported by Middle Eastern and European governments. Blair’s extensive contacts in the Middle East, including with leaders of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan, are expected to aid in garnering support for the plan’s implementation.