Tony Blair Dropped From Trump’s Proposed Gaza 'Peace Board' After Middle East Objections, FT Reports

Tony Blair has been removed from consideration for a role on a proposed US-led "board of peace" for Gaza after objections from several Arab and Muslim governments, the Financial Times reported.

What Happened

When President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point plan in September intended to address the conflict in Gaza, he named Blair as the sole individual proposed for the board and described him as a

"very good man"

. Blair called the plan

"bold and intelligent"

and indicated he would be willing to serve on a body that Trump said he would chair.

Why Regional Governments Objected

Diplomats from a number of Arab and Muslim states reportedly objected to Blair’s inclusion, citing his legacy as UK prime minister, particularly his strong support for the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. That war, launched on claims that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction, left a lasting negative impression across the Middle East.

After leaving office in 2007, Blair founded the Tony Blair Institute (TBI). The institute has worked with governments accused of repression to advise on governance and communications, and it was linked to a project led by Israeli business figures that drafted "day-after" proposals for Gaza. Critics said those proposals — which reportedly included a coastal resort nicknamed the "Trump Riviera" and a manufacturing hub branded with Elon Musk's name — risked sidelining human-rights concerns and further displacing Palestinians.

Responses And Current Status

There was no immediate comment from Blair’s office. An ally quoted by the Financial Times rejected the suggestion that regional opposition had definitively forced Blair off the proposed board, saying talks were ongoing. Another source told the paper Blair might still participate "in a different capacity," noting he remains favoured by officials in Washington and Tel Aviv.

Context And Casualty Figures

Mr. Trump’s Gaza plan helped produce a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, but Israeli forces have continued operations across the territory. According to Gaza authorities, at least 377 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire took effect in October. Gaza health authorities report more than 70,000 deaths since Israel launched the offensive in October 2023; those figures are reported by local authorities and are contested in other fora.

Sources: Financial Times reporting and statements from Gaza health authorities as cited in original coverage.