In a move aimed at reigniting the stalled peace process in the Gaza Strip, the White House has announced the formation of a new “Board of Peace” that will include several high-profile international figures. Among the names on the founding executive board are former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and former US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The board, which will serve in an advisory capacity, is tasked with providing strategic guidance and expertise to help facilitate dialogue and negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian authorities. With decades of experience in diplomacy and conflict resolution, the board members are expected to leverage their global influence and connections to break the deadlock that has plagued the region for years.
“We’re bringing together some of the world’s most respected statesmen and women to lend their voices and wisdom to this critical issue,” said a White House spokesperson. “The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has defied resolution for far too long, and we believe this new initiative can help chart a path forward.”
Blair, who served as UK Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007, has maintained a keen interest in the Middle East peace process since leaving office. He currently serves as the official Quartet Representative to the Middle East, a role in which he has worked to facilitate dialogue and cooperation between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority.
Rubio, a former US Senator and presidential candidate, brings a wealth of foreign policy experience to the table. During his time in the Senate, he was a vocal advocate for a more assertive American role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, often criticising what he saw as a lack of decisive leadership from previous administrations.
Other members of the Board of Peace include former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell, and renowned international mediator Martti Ahtisaari. The board is expected to hold its first meeting in the coming weeks to begin mapping out its strategy and priorities.
The formation of the Board of Peace comes at a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, with tensions remaining high between Israelis and Palestinians. Despite numerous attempts at peace negotiations over the years, a lasting solution has remained elusive, with both sides accusing the other of intransigence and unwillingness to compromise.
Analysts are cautiously optimistic that the involvement of such high-profile figures could help breathe new life into the peace process. However, they also caution that the board will face significant challenges in overcoming the deep-seated mistrust and animosity that have characterized the conflict for decades.
“This is a bold and ambitious initiative, but the obstacles to peace in the region are formidable,” said Middle East expert Dr. Sarah Akhtar. “The board members will need to draw on all of their diplomatic skills and political capital to make any meaningful progress. The stakes are high, but the potential rewards for achieving a lasting peace are immense.”
