Leaked Plan Suggests Tony Blair Could Lead Postwar Gaza Authority, Raising Palestinian Concerns
A draft plan, reportedly backed by the White House, proposes Tony Blair lead a transitional governing authority in Gaza, supported by the UN and Gulf nations, before ultimately transferring control to the Palestinian Authority as a step toward a Palestinian state. Though, the proposal is facing criticism from Palestinians who fear it would sideline their own leadership.
Sources close to the plan emphasized that it does not support the displacement of Gazans. The document stipulates any transitional body would eventually return authority to the Palestinian Authority.
The leak follows recent reports of discussions regarding Blair’s potential role in postwar Gaza. He is understood to have recently met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, as well as with Donald Trump earlier this summer. It remains unclear to what extent the Palestinians were informed about the details of the proposal.
Mustafa Barghouti, general secretary of the palestinian National Initiative, voiced concerns, telling the Washington Post: “We’ve been under British colonialism already. He has a negative reputation here. If you mention Tony Blair, the first thing people mention is the Iraq war.”
UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, formerly the foreign secretary, stated he was unaware if Blair would take on such a role. He underscored the importance of a transition to Palestinian Authority governance and emphasized that any authority must have the confidence of the Palestinian people, possibly requiring leadership “they can identify with.”
Separately, Trump has proposed an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages within 48 hours, and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian territory, according to three Arab officials briefed on the plan.
