Blair honoured for seat on ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza

Sir Tony Blair has said he is "honoured" to be part of Donald Trump's Gaza "Board of Peace", tasked with overseeing the rebuilding of the territory and the transition to a new administration.

- MIKE BEDIGAN IN NEW YORK

The board, selected by Donald Trump, who is also chair of the board, includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and the former UK Prime Minister, among others.

Sir Tony said in a statement: "I thank President Trump for his leadership in establishing the Board of Peace and am honoured to be appointed to its executive board. It's been a real privilege to work with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and their outstanding team.

"I look forward to working with them and other colleagues in line with the president's vision to promote peace and prosperity."

Mr Trump yesterday sent a letter inviting Turkish president Tayyip Recep Erdogan to become a member of the board as well. Hakan Fidan is already on the executive committee and has been the Turkish foreign minister since 2023 and is close to President Erdogan. While Turkey has a strained relationship with Israel, it has good relations with Hamas and could play an important role in persuading the Islamic group to yield power and disarm.