FT: Tony Blair excluded from Gaza “board of peace” over regional opposition

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair (1997–2007) will not join the so-called “board of peace” tasked with governing the Gaza Strip, the Financial Times reports, citing sources.

Blair’s nomination reportedly faced opposition from some Arab and Muslim countries due to his active support for the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Concerns were also raised that his appointment—if approved—could sideline Palestinians in the governance of Gaza.

At the same time, Blair’s associates told the FT that no countries in the region formally opposed his candidacy. They also noted that the “board of peace” is intended to consist solely of current world leaders, which would automatically exclude a former prime minister.

Instead, Blair is expected to join a separate executive committee that will include U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, and senior officials from both Arab and Western countries. The committee is seen as playing a key advisory role in managing Gaza’s affairs.

By Vugar Khalilov