Trump doubts Tony Blair’s popularity for Gaza peace board
President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty about whether former British Prime Minister Tony Blair would be accepted as a member of the “Board of Peace,” a body proposed to oversee governance in Gaza under his peace plan. He said he wants to make sure Blair is “acceptable” and “popular” among all parties involved.
Blair has been included in Trump’s plan, which envisions this board as part of a transitional governance structure in Gaza. The Board of Peace would include distinguished leaders from different countries, working with Trump. Trump made the remarks while on a flight to Israel, preparing for speeches and diplomatic engagements in the region.
The idea of Blair’s involvement has stirred controversy. Critics point to his reputation damage following the Iraq War, when many believed that the justification for the invasion (finding weapons of mass destruction) was based on faulty intelligence. Some Palestinian groups and observers question how well Blair’s leadership would be received among those who view him as partisan or as lacking legitimacy in the Middle East conflict.
Others, including the Palestinian Authority, have shown cautious support for working with Blair under the peace plan. However, opposed factions, including those allied with Hamas, remain skeptical.
