"Sir Tony was UK prime minister from 1997 to 2007 and took the UK into the Iraq War in 2003. After leaving office, he served as Middle East envoy for the Quartet of international powers (the US, EU, Russia and the UN). In this role, he focused on bringing economic development to Palestine and creating the conditions to move towards a two state-solution."
"Also on the founding executive board are Marc Rowan, the head of a private equity firm, World Bank chief Ajay Banga and a US national security adviser, Robert Gabriel. Each member would have a portfolio "critical to Gaza's stabilisation and long-term success", the White House statement said. Trump had said on Thursday that the board had been formed, calling it the "Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place"."
"Sir Tony had already been a part of high-level talks about Gaza's future with the US and other parties. In August, he joined a White House meeting with Trump to discuss plans for the territory, which Witkoff described as "very comprehensive". In September, Health Secretary Wes Streeting told the BBC that involving Sir Tony in such talks, given his record on the Iraq War, would "raise some eyebrows"."
The Trump administration named US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former UK prime minister Sir Tony Blair, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Marc Rowan, World Bank chief Ajay Banga and US national security adviser Robert Gabriel as founding members of a Board of Peace for Gaza. Trump will chair the board, which forms part of a 20-point plan to end the Israel-Hamas war. The board is expected to temporarily oversee Gaza's administration and manage its reconstruction. Members will each hold portfolios aimed at Gaza's stabilisation and long-term success. Blair's prior roles and Iraq War record prompted some public concern.
Read at www.bbc.com
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