Former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair is reportedly in discussions regarding a potential transitional authority in Gaza, contingent on a ceasefire. He is engaged in high-level planning talks with various stakeholders focused on resolving the conflict and determining the future governance of the Palestinian territory.
The current plan, which has been discussed by US President Donald Trump and Arab leaders at the UN, envisions Gaza being managed by a transitional body supported by the United Nations and Gulf states before transitioning back to Palestinian control. A proposal suggesting that Sir Tony could lead this authority has reportedly gained traction in Washington. However, his office has stated that he would not endorse any actions that might displace the inhabitants of Gaza.
In August, Sir Tony participated in a White House meeting with Trump and others to discuss post-war Gaza, described by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff as comprehensive, though specific details remain undisclosed. After leaving office, Blair served as the Middle East envoy for the Quartet of international powers (the US, EU, Russia, and the UN), focusing on economic development and the conditions for a two-state solution.
Recent discussions come in the wake of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressing readiness to collaborate with Trump and other leaders to further a two-state peace plan, while also demanding the disarmament of Hamas, which he rejects from any governing role in Gaza.
Further, the UK officially recognized the state of Palestine this week, a move that has drawn both support and criticism. The situation in Gaza escalated following a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties. Since the attack, Israeli military operations have reportedly led to a high number of fatalities in Gaza, against which claims of genocide by a UN commission have been met with denial from Israel.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3drmk95xlzo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss