Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is being proposed to head an international transitional authority in Gaza under a plan linked to U.S. President Donald Trump, according to reports from Arab and U.S. officials.
The authority, which would be supported by the United Nations and an Arab-led international force, is envisioned as a temporary administration that would govern Gaza until full control is transferred to the Palestinians.
The structure would include Palestinian technocrats tasked with overseeing day-to-day governance. Blair, who previously served as the Quartet’s envoy to the Middle East, is seen by Washington as a figure who could bridge international, regional, and Palestinian concerns. His name has been floated in conversations among U.S., Arab, and Israeli officials, though no formal appointment has been made.
The plan faces significant hurdles. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stressed Israel’s intent to maintain firm security control over Gaza after the war, casting doubt on the acceptance of an outside authority.
Hamas leaders have rejected externally imposed governance models, insisting Gaza’s future must be determined by Palestinians themselves. Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has signaled willingness to work with international partners but insists that Hamas will have no role in postwar governance.
A British official told The Wall Street Journal that the UK government has no role in the proposal to involve Blair. Critics also point to Blair’s controversial legacy in the Middle East during the Iraq war and question whether his appointment would be accepted by the Palestinian public.
The idea of a transitional body in Gaza remains in early stages, with negotiations ongoing and no clear consensus from the key parties. Whether Blair takes on a formal role depends on delicate regional diplomacy, Israel’s calculations, Hamas’s stance, and the ability of international partners to present a workable framework
Earlier this week, the UK formally recognised the State of Palestine, alongside France, Canada, Australia, and several other countries.
In his speech, Abbas thanked them for taking the step, including, he said, Denmark, though that country has not yet recognised Palestine. It says it will only do so if certain conditions are met.
The UK and others reiterated calls for a two-state solution, which would see the creation of an independent Palestine in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital, alongside Israel.
Israel and the US criticised the move as a “reward for Hamas”.
The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
At least 65,502 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry. A UN commission of inquiry has said Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, which Israel denies, data as per BBC
