**Tony Blair to Play Key Role in Interim Authority for Gaza Under Trump’s Peace Plan**
Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is set to be part of an interim authority in Gaza, according to the peace plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump. The 20-point plan was revealed alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s endorsement at a press conference on Monday.
President Trump expressed optimism about the progress, stating, “We are beyond very close to a peace agreement,” and described the day as “potentially one of the great days ever in civilisation.” He spoke highly of Blair, saying, “One of the people that wants to be on the board is the UK former prime minister Tony Blair — good man, very good man.”
The peace plan outlines several immediate steps if both sides agree, including an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces to a mutually agreed boundary, and the release of all hostages. These actions would be followed by the release of Palestinian prisoners and a significant influx of aid into Gaza.
Following these developments, Gaza is to be temporarily governed by a transitional committee made up of qualified Palestinian and international experts. This committee will operate under the supervision of a new international transitional body called the “Board of Peace.”
The Board of Peace will be chaired by President Trump, working alongside other international leaders, including Tony Blair. This body will establish the framework and handle funding for Gaza’s redevelopment until the Palestinian Authority undergoes sufficient reform to take over local governance.
After his meeting with Netanyahu, President Trump told reporters:
“My plan calls for the creation of a new international oversight body, the Board of Peace. It will be headed by a gentleman known as President Donald J. Trump of the United States.”
He added:
“We’ll do it right, and we’re going to put leaders from other countries on, and leaders that are very distinguished leaders. And we’ll have a board, and one of the people that wants to be on the board is the UK former Prime Minister Tony Blair — good man, very good man — and some others. They’ll be named over the next few days, and it’ll be quite the board. Everybody wants to be on it now.”
Tony Blair, who led the UK into the Iraq War in 2003, previously served as the Middle East envoy for the Quartet of international powers — the US, the EU, Russia, and the UN — after leaving office. During his tenure, he focused on fostering economic development in Palestine and laying groundwork for a two-state solution.
Recently, Blair has been involved in high-level planning talks with the US and other stakeholders regarding the future governance of Gaza. In August, he participated in a White House meeting with President Trump to discuss comprehensive plans for the territory, according to US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
Responding to Monday’s announcement, Blair praised the plan, calling it “bold and intelligent.” He also thanked President Trump for his willingness to chair the Board of Peace, calling it “a huge signal of support and confidence in the future of Gaza.”
Blair said:
“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 continued:
“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.”
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/tony-blair-set-to-be-part-of-interim-authority-in-gaza-known-as-board-of-peace-1812738.html