Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is reportedly positioning himself for a senior leadership role in the governance of postwar Gaza, under a peace plan currently being developed by the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a report by the Financial Times, which cited individuals briefed on the proposal.
According to the report, Blair has been proposed to head a new international oversight body, tentatively titled the “Gaza International Transitional Authority” (GITA). This entity would be responsible for supervising the administration and reconstruction of Gaza following a ceasefire or resolution to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The Financial Times report suggests that the Trump peace plan envisions an international governance framework for Gaza that would include the participation of Western and regional Arab powers, likely excluding Hamas from any future political role. Blair’s potential involvement is seen as part of efforts to install a credible, internationally respected figure to manage what is expected to be a highly sensitive political transition.
Blair, who served as the Quartet’s Special Envoy to the Middle East from 2007 to 2015, has long been involved in diplomatic efforts related to Israel and Palestine. His return to a formal role in the region would mark a significant development in both Western engagement and the potential restructuring of Gaza’s governance.
A spokesperson for Blair did not immediately comment on the report. Reuters noted that it could not independently verify the Financial Times claims.
Background: Trump’s Return to Diplomacy
Donald Trump, who is currently campaigning for a return to the White House in the 2026 U.S. presidential election, has revived foreign policy initiatives reminiscent of his first term — particularly in the Middle East, where his administration brokered the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab countries.
Sources familiar with the new Gaza plan say Trump’s team aims to present the framework as a “post-Hamas reconstruction model” supported by Arab Gulf states, Western allies, and possibly the United Nations. The plan is still under development and has yet to be publicly unveiled.
A Controversial Figure
While Tony Blair brings significant diplomatic experience, his potential role is likely to spark controversy. His legacy in the Middle East remains deeply divisive, particularly due to his role in the 2003 Iraq War alongside then-U.S. President George W. Bush. Nonetheless, some Western and Arab officials view him as a pragmatic choice capable of navigating complex political terrain.
If confirmed, Blair’s appointment would signal renewed international involvement in the governance of Gaza and may represent a shift toward a more managed, externally supervised postwar scenario.
What’s Next?
The proposal is still at the discussion stage and has not been formally endorsed by any governments involved. It also remains unclear how Palestinians — particularly local leaders in Gaza and the West Bank — would respond to a transitional authority led by a foreign figure.
Further details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks as the Trump team continues to build diplomatic consensus around its postwar vision for Gaza.
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