Former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair is slated to join the international body overseeing Gaza, according to a US-backed plan unveiled by President Donald Trump aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.
Sir Tony has been designated as the first member of a newly formed “Board of Peace,” which will be chaired by Trump. This board will assume responsibility for the temporary governance of Gaza following the cessation of hostilities. President Trump indicated that additional members from various countries will be announced in the coming days.
The establishment of the board is integral to a comprehensive 20-point plan designed to bring an end to the nearly two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas. The plan encompasses the demilitarization and subsequent redevelopment of Gaza.
In response to the proposed plan, Sir Tony stated that it represents “the best chance of ending two years of war, misery and suffering.”
Sir Tony, who served as UK prime minister from 1997 to 2007 and led the UK into the Iraq War in 2003, has been involved in high-level discussions with US officials and other stakeholders concerning the future of Gaza.
Following his tenure as prime minister, he served as a Middle East envoy for the Quartet, comprising the US, EU, Russia, and the UN. His focus was primarily on fostering economic development in Palestine and establishing conditions conducive to a two-state solution.
In August, Sir Tony participated in a White House meeting with President Trump to discuss strategies for the region. US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff described the plans as “very comprehensive,” although specific details of the meeting were not disclosed.
According to the plan, which President Trump unveiled on Monday evening, the war would “immediately end” upon agreement from both sides.
The proposal also includes the return of all 20 living Israeli hostages, as well as the remains of over two dozen individuals believed to be deceased, within a 72-hour timeframe.
In exchange, Israel would release 250 prisoners serving life sentences, in addition to 1,700 Gazans who were detained after October 7.
The plan stipulates that “full aid” would be immediately provided to Gaza. A multinational stabilization force would be deployed to bolster security and provide training to local police. Israeli forces would then withdraw in a phased manner.
The White House indicated that a “technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee” would temporarily govern Gaza, “with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the Board of Peace,” chaired by President Trump.
The plan further stipulates that Hamas would have no role in governance, “directly, indirectly, or in any form.”
President Trump stated that if Hamas rejects the deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would have his “full backing” to “do what you would have to do.”
The plan also leaves the possibility of an eventual Palestinian state open, but contingent on the Palestinian Authority implementing comprehensive reforms.
The president also criticized countries for “foolishly” recognizing Palestinian statehood, similar to actions taken by the UK, Australia, Canada, and France last week.
In response to the announcement, Sir Tony stated: “President Trump has put down a bold and intelligent plan which, if agreed, can end the war, bring immediate relief to Gaza, the chance of a brighter and better future for its people, whilst ensuring Israel’s absolute and enduring security and the release of all hostages.”
He added: “It offers us the best chance of ending two years of war, misery and suffering and I thank President Trump for his leadership, determination and commitment.”
“In particular, his willingness to chair the Board of Peace to oversee the new Gaza is a huge signal of support and confidence in the future of Gaza, of the possibility of Israelis and Palestinians finding a path to peace and of the potential for a broader regional and global alliance to counter the forces of extremism and promote peace and prosperity between nations.”
The plan announced on Monday represents a shift from earlier proposals floated by the Trump administration. In February, President Trump declared the US would take over the Gaza Strip and build a “riviera of the Middle East.”
This earlier concept would have involved the forced displacement of Palestinians in the territory, a violation of international law, which Sir Tony’s office vowed not to support.
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