Trump unsure if Blair will be accepted on Gaza peace board

Post by : Monika

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is not certain whether Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, would be accepted by all parties to take part in a new “Board of Peace” for Gaza. The board is part of Trump’s wider plan to rebuild and govern Gaza once the current ceasefire becomes stable.

Trump spoke to reporters while traveling to Israel aboard Air Force One. During his flight, he mentioned that while he respects and likes Blair personally, he wants to make sure the decision is acceptable to both Israelis and Palestinians. Trump said he did not want to risk creating tension by appointing someone who might not be welcomed by all.

“I like Tony a lot,” Trump said. “But I want to find out if he would be popular with everyone. I’m just not sure about that yet.”

The Gaza Peace Board Plan

The idea of forming a Gaza Peace Board came as part of a U.S.-backed proposal to stabilize Gaza after two years of war between Israel and Hamas. The plan suggests setting up an international body that would oversee humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and security arrangements in Gaza, while ensuring that Hamas no longer controls the territory.

Trump’s peace plan aims to bring together representatives from different countries, including Arab states, European nations, and the United States. The goal is to help rebuild Gaza, restore order, and create a path for peace that could lead to a long-term political solution.

Tony Blair’s name appeared among the possible candidates for the peace board because of his previous experience in the Middle East. Blair served as the Quartet’s special envoy for peace between 2007 and 2015. During that time, he worked on economic projects in Gaza and the West Bank, although his results were limited.

Mixed Reactions to Blair’s Possible Role

The news of Blair’s possible involvement drew mixed reactions. Some leaders in Israel and Western countries believe Blair could bring valuable experience and global recognition to the board. They see him as a skilled negotiator with a long history of working in international diplomacy.

However, many Palestinians and Arab leaders expressed concern. They remember Blair’s close alliance with former U.S. President George W. Bush during the 2003 Iraq War, which remains deeply unpopular in the Middle East. Critics say his involvement could make the peace board look biased or disconnected from the realities in Gaza.

In the United Kingdom, even members of Blair’s own Labour Party have raised doubts about his participation. Some said that Blair’s record on Middle East issues makes him a divisive choice. They worry that his name could create controversy at a sensitive moment when the region needs calm, unity, and trust.

Trump’s Visit to Israel and Egypt

Trump is visiting Israel as part of his effort to support the post-war peace process. He is scheduled to address the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) and to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. After that, Trump will travel to Egypt to attend a regional peace summit. The summit will include Arab and Western leaders discussing how to rebuild Gaza and prevent another war.

According to U.S. officials, Trump wants to show progress in ending the Gaza conflict and setting up a strong framework for long-term peace. His administration views the creation of the Gaza Peace Board as an important first step toward stability.

The United States, together with Egypt and Qatar, played a key role in negotiating the current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The truce has allowed humanitarian aid to reach Gaza and led to the release of several Israeli hostages.

Challenges Ahead for the Peace Plan

Despite the progress, major challenges remain. Gaza has suffered severe destruction after two years of war. Thousands of buildings were damaged or destroyed, leaving tens of thousands of people without homes. Food, clean water, and electricity are still limited.

Trump’s plan to rebuild Gaza depends on cooperation from all sides, including Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Arab nations, and international donors. However, disagreements about who should govern Gaza continue to block quick progress.

Some leaders believe that the Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, should return to take administrative control. Others think an international peace board would be more neutral and effective. But Hamas, which still has influence in Gaza, has not fully accepted this idea.

The question of who will manage the territory after the war is one of the most sensitive topics in the ongoing negotiations.

The Role of Tony Blair and Other Candidates

If Tony Blair joins the board, he would likely be involved in coordinating reconstruction projects, economic aid, and international partnerships. Supporters argue that Blair’s global reputation could help attract foreign investment and funding for Gaza.

Other possible names for the peace board include Arab diplomats, European Union officials, and representatives from humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross and UNRWA.

Still, Trump has made it clear that no decision has been finalized. “We’re still listening,” he said. “We want everyone to be comfortable with whoever serves on the board. The goal is peace, not politics.”

Reactions in Israel and the Arab World

In Israel, the government has welcomed the idea of a peace board but remains cautious about who will join it. Some Israeli officials support including well-known global figures like Blair, while others prefer appointing people with stronger ties to regional politics.

In Gaza and the West Bank, reactions have been more critical. Palestinian voices have warned that any peace effort must include real representation from their people, not just international leaders chosen by foreign powers.

Many Arab countries have praised Trump’s effort to bring new momentum to peace talks but have also urged the United States to ensure fairness and balance. They want guarantees that humanitarian aid will reach Gaza quickly and that no group will dominate the process unfairly.

A Path Toward Rebuilding Gaza

The current ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, has offered the first real break in violence since the war began in 2023. For the first time in two years, people in Gaza are starting to hope for stability. The opening of border crossings has allowed medical supplies, food, and building materials to enter the region.

Trump has said that the success of the Gaza Peace Board will depend on trust. “We need to make sure the people of Gaza feel hope again,” he said. “This is about rebuilding lives, not just buildings.”

He also added that cooperation between Israel and Arab nations is the only way to create a lasting peace.

Looking Forward

As Trump prepares to attend the Egypt peace summit, all eyes are on whether his plan can gain wide support. If the board is established and respected by both sides, it could be a major step toward ending decades of conflict.

However, the uncertainty over Tony Blair’s inclusion shows how delicate the situation remains. A single controversial appointment could risk undoing months of progress.

For now, Trump continues to balance diplomacy with caution. He insists that every choice must serve one purpose — to secure peace, protect civilians, and give Gaza a chance to rebuild.

The coming weeks will be critical as international leaders decide who will sit on the peace board, how funds will be used, and what future Gaza will have. Whether Tony Blair will play a role or not, the world is watching closely as Trump’s peace plan unfolds.

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