The former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair has been involved in discussions about running a transitional authority in Gaza if there is a ceasefire, the BBC understands.
Sir Tony, known for his controversial decision to take the UK into the Iraq War in 2003, has been in high-level planning talks with all parties involved in ending the war and regarding the post-conflict future for the Palestinian territory.
The latest proposal, reportedly discussed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Arab leaders at the UN this week, centers around the concept of Gaza being managed by a transitional body with backing from the UN and Gulf nations, before transferring authority back to the Palestinians.
One proposal, gaining traction in Washington, suggests Blair as the leader of this interim authority, although his office has expressed that he would not support any plans that could displace the people of Gaza.
Blair's recent engagements include a meeting at the White House with Trump to discuss plans for Gaza's future, which the US Middle East envoy described as 'very comprehensive.' After leaving office in 2007, Blair served as the Middle East envoy for the Quartet, focusing on economic development in Palestine and promoting a two-state solution.
The current talks about Blair's role coincide with statements from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who expressed readiness to collaborate with Trump and other world leaders on a peace plan, while dismissing a future governing role for Hamas in Gaza and demanding its disarmament.
As global recognition of Palestinian statehood grows, recent UK actions have formally acknowledged it, joining countries like Canada and Australia, which has sparked criticism from Israel and the U.S.
Since the onset of the recent conflict, significant casualties have been reported in Gaza from Israeli military operations, which have faced allegations of genocide—a claim Israel continues to deny.
