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this White House Published a list of officials who will be included in a so-called “peace committee” responsible for oversight Gaza’s reconstruction and transition Leave it to the new government.
The board was selected by Donald Trump, who also serves as chairman of the board, and includes the Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, and former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blairwait.
“The United States remains fully committed to supporting this transitional framework, working closely with Israel, key Arab states, and the international community to achieve the goals of the comprehensive plan,” Friday’s statement said.
“The President calls on all parties to fully cooperate with NCAG [National Committee for the Administration of Gaza]Peace Council and International Stabilization Force to ensure the rapid and successful implementation of the comprehensive plan. “
Blair’s inclusion on board could be controversial He remains a controversial figure in the Middle East for his role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He later became a representative of the Quartet, a group of the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations seeking peace between Israel and the Palestinians, but resigned after being deemed too close to Israel.
“I’ve always liked Tony, but I wanted to know that he was an acceptable choice for everyone,” Trump told reporters last October.
Former Labor leaders Rubio and Kushner join the board, as do World Bank President Ajay Banga, Mark Rowan, Robert Gabriel and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
The inductees are described as “leaders with deep experience in diplomacy, development, infrastructure and economic strategy.”
“Each Executive Committee member will oversee an established portfolio of investments critical to Gaza’s stability and long-term success, including but not limited to governance capacity building, regional relations, reconstruction, attracting investment, large-scale financing and capital mobilization,” White House explain.
Additional Executive Committee and Gaza Executive Committee members will be announced in the coming weeks.
Friday’s announcement follows the establishment of a 15-member Palestinian committee to handle day-to-day affairs in Gaza in the aftermath of the Israeli bombing, overseen by former Palestinian Authority deputy minister Ali Sha’ath.
The White House statement added: “Dr. Shaath has extensive 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.”
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on October 10, ending two years of fighting between the two sides. It also released all remaining hostages in Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held by Israel.
The ceasefire has largely remained in place, although both sides have accused each other of continuing violations. According to Gaza health officials, fires in Israel have killed more than 400 Palestinians. Israel says it has targeted militants or responded to ceasefire violations, but Palestinians say dozens of civilians have been shot.
Meanwhile, Palestinian militants continue to hold on to the remains of the last hostage – an Israeli policeman who was killed in the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that sparked the war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made clear that he was in no rush to act until the remains were returned.