US Proposal Outlines Gaza's Temporary Governance with Roles for Trump and Blair: What You Need to Know

Hamas would have no role in Gaza's governance. (File)

Washington:

A peace plan unveiled by the White House on Monday outlining an end to Israel's war in Gaza included unexpected roles for two prominent political figures: former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President Donald Trump.

Here are specifics of the proposed interim governance structure for the coastal territory:

What Does The Plan Say On Interim Governance?

According to the proposal: "Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee," though no specific Palestinian individual or group is named as participants in the transition.

The panel would operate under supervision from a newly established international transitional entity called the "Board of Peace." This board would be chaired by Trump and include other heads of state and members, with Blair among them.

The committee would handle the day-to-day administration of public services and municipalities in Gaza, comprising "qualified Palestinians and international experts," who remain unidentified. Hamas would be excluded from any governance role in Gaza.

Why Has The Plan Raised Some Eyebrows?

In recent weeks, reports of Blair's involvement have sparked concerns among advocates, considering the history of British imperialism in the region and particularly Blair's role in the Iraq invasion, which was justified on claims about weapons of mass destruction that were later proven false.

The US-led Iraq invasion began in 2003 with troops withdrawing in 2011. It faced widespread criticism for its destabilizing impact on the region and significant death toll. Blair personally faced scrutiny after his WMD claims were debunked.

What Will The Governance Body Do?

The body would manage funding for Gaza's redevelopment until "the Palestinian Authority has completed its reform program," the proposal stated, without specifying an exact timeline. The plan mentioned that certain investment proposals and ideas have been developed by unidentified international groups.

The Palestinian Authority and a joint statement from multiple Muslim-majority countries expressed welcome for Trump's efforts to end the war in Gaza.

What Recent Engagement Has Blair Had On Gaza?

In late August, Blair visited the White House to meet with Trump. The Tony Blair Institute think-tank has indicated it "has had many calls with different groups on post-war reconstruction of Gaza."

What Do Critics And Palestinians Say About Blair's Involvement?

Mustafa Barghouti, general secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative, told 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."

Francesca Albanese, the United Nations' special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, stated: "Tony Blair? Hell no. Hands off Palestine."

What Did Blair Say?

Blair's statement on Monday described Trump's idea as a "bold and intelligent plan." He expressed support for Trump's proposal to lead the board that would supervise the panel of Gaza's interim governance.

Context

Images of starving Palestinians have triggered global outrage against Israel's assault on Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands and internally displaced Gaza's entire population. Multiple rights experts, scholars and a UN inquiry characterize it as genocide.

Israel describes its actions as self-defense following the October 2023 attack by Palestinian Hamas militants that killed 1,200 people and in which more than 250 were taken hostage.