The White House has released a list of officials who will be included in the so-called “Board of Peace,” charged with overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction and transition to a new government.
The board, selected by Donald Trump, who is also chairman of the board, includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair.
“The United States remains fully committed to supporting this transition framework, working closely with Israel, key Arab countries, and the international community to achieve the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan,” Friday’s statement said.
“The President calls on all parties to fully cooperate with the NCAG, the Peace Council and the International Stabilization Force to ensure the rapid and successful implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.”
Sir Tony’s inclusion on the list of board members could be controversial as he remains a divisive figure in the Middle East due to his role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
He later became a representative of the Quartet, a group seeking peace between Israel and the Palestinians, consisting of the US, EU, Russia and the United Nations, but resigned after being deemed too close to Israel.
“I’ve always liked Tony, but I want to find out that he’s an acceptable choice for everyone,” Trump told reporters last October.
Former Labor leader Rubio and Kushner are joined on the board by World Bank President Ajay Banga, Marc Rowan, Robert Gabriel and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
The selected individuals are described as “leaders with experience in diplomacy, development, infrastructure and economic strategy.”
“Each member of the Board of Directors 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, attracting investment, large-scale financing and capital mobilization,” the White House said.
Additional members of the Governing Council and the Gaza Governing Council will be announced in the coming weeks.
More to follow…
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