Reports that Blair may head post-war transitional authority in Gaza

Tony Blair has reportedly offered to play a senior role in a post-war transitional authority in Gaza, under a peace plan developed by the Trump Administration.

The former prime minister, who served as Middle East envoy after leaving Downing Street, has been working on a plan to govern Gaza, once Israel’s war against Hamas finally ends.

But now reports suggest Blair would like to be on the supervisory board of a proposed Gaza International Transitional Authority developed under plans drawn up by the U.S.

US President Donald Trump met with Arab and Muslim leaders earlier this week and presented his latest proposals for a ceasefire in Gaza and how the strip would be governed in a transitional period after the fighting stops.

The plan includes establishing a Palestinian committee to administer Gaza, overseen by an international supervisory board. The governing authority would be supported by the UN and Gulf nations – before handing control back to Palestinian Authority.

Reports of discussions about his involvement in a transitional authority for Gaza come after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Thursday that he was ready to work with Trump and other world leaders to implement a two-state peace plan.

Abbas stressed his rejection of a future governing role for Hamas in Gaza and demanded it disarm, which is also a requirement of the Trump plan.

Jewish News reported on the UK’s own attempt to plan a framework for Gaza’s transition once the war ends.  Keir Starmer has insisted recognition of a Palestinian state is tied to diplomatic moves with international partners to create a two-state solution in which moderate forces came to the fore.

UK officials acknowledged that plan that Blair had developed himself for the region, but said they were “unaware” of any collaboration between him the government on proposals.

The UK and other European states, including France, place far more emphasis on the need for the PA to take centre stage in a new Palestinian state, after they have completed a “reform agenda” to ensure proper governance.

Last month Blair met with Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and Middle East adviser at the White House to discuss postwar plans for Gaza.

He is now understood to have expressed interest in a senior role on the board, with some reports saying he has been asked to be its chair.