US President Donald Trump has appointed former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to a newly formed 'Peace Board' tasked with overseeing Gaza’s governance and reconstruction. The seven-member board, chaired by Trump, also includes US envoy Steve Witkoff, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The announcement was made as part of the second phase of a broader peace plan.

According to Middle East Eye, Blair’s inclusion has sparked significant controversy across the region, as many in the Middle East view him as a war criminal due to his role in the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. Blair’s consultancy, the Tony Blair Institute (TBI), has also faced criticism for advising authoritarian governments in Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, and for alleged financial links to controversial entities. TBI has denied these allegations.

The appointment comes amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where Israeli restrictions on aid and harsh winter conditions have led to rising Palestinian casualties. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports over 71,400 deaths and 171,000 injuries since October 7, 2023.