U.S. President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty on Sunday about appointing former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to a new “Board of Peace” proposed to oversee governance in Gaza. The board, part of a broader Gaza peace initiative unveiled by the White House last month, lists Blair among its potential members — a choice now sparking widespread debate.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Israel, Trump said he “always liked Tony,” but added, “I want to find out that he’s an acceptable choice to everybody.” He did not specify which leaders might influence his decision. The president is expected to address Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, on Monday and attend a summit in Egypt focused on formally ending the Gaza war, as the ceasefire reaches its fourth day.
Israelis are also anticipating the release of the remaining 20 hostages held by Hamas since the militant group’s attacks on October 7, 2023 — a series of events that ignited the devastating conflict. Trump emphasized that the Board of Peace would be operational “quickly,” but remained cautious about Blair’s inclusion. “I want to find out that Tony would be popular with all because I just don’t know that,” he remarked.
The idea of involving Blair has triggered backlash, particularly among Palestinian officials and members of Britain’s Labour Party. Critics cite Blair’s role in the 2003 Iraq War — a decision made alongside the U.S. that later proved to be based on false claims of weapons of mass destruction — as a lasting stain on his credibility in Middle East diplomacy.