President Donald Trump is advancing a postwar plan for Gaza that positions former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as a central figure in an interim administration, aiming to stabilize the enclave after the ongoing conflict. The proposal, shared with Arab and Israeli leaders, envisions Blair helping lead a United Nations-backed Gaza International Transition Authority, or GITA, supported by Palestinian technocrats and an Arab-led peacekeeping force, with the goal of eventual handover to Palestinian control.
The plan emerges amid stalled cease-fire efforts and seeks to address Gaza’s reconstruction needs following nearly two years of war. White House officials describe it as one of several options under review, though it has garnered initial support from some Arab nations and Palestinian figures. Success hinges on buy-in from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders, who would need to release hostages and disarm.
Outline of the Proposed Transition
Under the framework, GITA would govern Gaza for several years, focusing on security, economic recovery, and political reforms. Blair’s exact role remains fluid: he could serve as a direct administrator or chair an oversight board. The initiative builds on earlier ideas, including U.S. administration of the territory, but shifts toward international involvement to broaden appeal.
Arab officials familiar with the discussions note that the plan avoids mass displacement of Gazans, emphasizing local governance. It also ties reconstruction aid to demilitarization commitments from Hamas. U.S. envoys have briefed regional partners, with meetings accelerating since late August.
Trump’s Endorsement and Vision
Trump has voiced strong support for Blair’s involvement, praising the former leader during a White House briefing last week. “Good man. Very good man,” Trump said of Blair while unveiling elements of a 20-point strategy to end the Gaza conflict. He added optimism about progress, telling reporters on Friday, “It’s looking like we have a deal on Gaza. I think it’s a deal that will get the hostages back.”
The president has framed the broader effort as a path to lasting stability. In recent statements, Trump promised to deliver “eternal peace to the Middle East” through the governing board he would head alongside Blair. These remarks underscore the administration’s pragmatic approach, prioritizing quick wins on security and aid over prolonged negotiations.
Criticisms and Hurdles Ahead
The proposal has drawn sharp rebukes from skeptics who question its feasibility and impartiality. Critics argue it tilts heavily toward Israeli interests, imposing stringent conditions on Hamas that the group has deemed unacceptable, such as full disarmament without reciprocal concessions. One analyst described it as a “great disappointment” for overlooking core Palestinian demands like statehood recognition.
Blair’s past actions fuel additional concerns. His role in the 2003 Iraq invasion, based on disputed intelligence about weapons of mass destruction, remains a flashpoint in the Arab world. A Guardian commentary labeled the Kushner-Blair collaboration a “moral atrocity,” warning that recent history in Iraq and elsewhere dooms similar interventions to failure as both ethical and policy missteps.
Human rights advocates and some European lawmakers echo these doubts, calling the plan a “poisoned chalice” that risks entangling Blair in endless sectarian strife. Hamas has yet to respond formally, but sources indicate resistance to any framework excluding Palestinian self-determination. Israeli hardliners, meanwhile, oppose ceding control without ironclad security guarantees.
Despite the backlash, supporters highlight Blair’s diplomatic track record as a potential asset. Initial feedback from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia suggests cautious optimism, viewing U.S. backing as a catalyst for action.
Blair’s Diplomatic Legacy
Blair, who served as U.K. prime minister from 1997 to 2007, brings peacemaking experience from the 1998 Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland, which ended decades of violence. He has invoked that accord as a blueprint for Gaza, stressing the need for leaders to confront extremists within their ranks.
Post-office, Blair acted as Middle East envoy for the Quartet (U.S., U.N., E.U., and Russia) from 2007 to 2015, focusing on Palestinian development. His Tony Blair Institute for Global Change has advised governments worldwide on policy implementation. Recent travels included consultations with Trump officials and son-in-law Jared Kushner in August.
The U.K. government has distanced itself from the plan, stating no official involvement. Analysts like Sanam Vakil of Chatham House predict Blair as a “key player” but question his appetite for direct administration. Malcolm Rifkind, a former British foreign secretary, suggested Blair favors advisory roles over operational ones.
