Postwar Gaza plan led by Blair would sideline key Palestinian figures
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A leaked draft plan for Gaza governance proposes a Tony Blair-led authority, raising fears of sidelining Palestinians and splitting Gaza from the West Bank.
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British former Prime Minister Tony Blair makes a speech on Brexit at the British Academy in London on December 14, 2018 (AP)
A leaked draft proposal outlining a postwar Gaza plan envisions an internationally led governing body potentially headed by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. The plan has sparked widespread criticism among Palestinians, who warn it would sideline key political figures and diminish national representation.
The 21-page confidential document, seen by The Guardian and Haaretz, proposes the establishment of a Gaza International Transitional Authority (GITA). The authority would hold extensive powers over Gaza’s governance and reconstruction, with Palestinians relegated to subsidiary roles. While Blair is reportedly considered for the leadership role, the plan lists several prominent international figures, such as Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris and Aryeh Lightstone, without confirming their involvement.
The proposed council would initially operate from El-Arish in Egypt and consist of 7 to 10 members approved by the UN Security Council. Only one would be Palestinian, “from the business or security sector,” while others would be selected based on international executive and financial experience.
Gaza administration split from Palestinian Authority
The draft plan proposes separating the governance of Gaza from the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank, effectively creating two distinct political entities. This has triggered concerns about the long-term implications for Palestinian unity and territorial integrity.
According to the document, the transitional authority would be responsible for legislative decisions, appointments, and major policy directions. It would also lead diplomatic engagements with external actors, including "Israel", Egypt, and the US, with no mention of the Palestinian Authority in this capacity.
Critics argue that this institutional split undermines the concept of a unified Palestinian state, as recognized in previous agreements such as the Oslo Accords.
Tony Blair among figures tipped to lead GITA
Although no Palestinian figures are named in the document, it references potential leaders such as Blair and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, both of whom have reportedly circulated similar governance proposals in recent months.
Sources close to the document's authors insist that names included were illustrative and not approved by the individuals themselves. Blair's office has since stated that he does not endorse any plan that involves the displacement of Gaza’s population and maintains that "Gaza is for Gazans."
However, Blair’s history as the Quartet representative, appointed by the UN, US, EU, and Russia, continues to elicit mistrust among Palestinians due to his perceived alignment with Western and Israeli interests.
Palestinian critics warn of political marginalization
Palestinian officials and analysts have condemned the draft, describing it as a foreign-imposed solution that further weakens Palestinian self-determination.
“You would have a council with a majority of foreign members legislating for Palestinians in Gaza,” said Xavier Abu Eid, a former member of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s diplomatic team. He warned that such a model would effectively separate Gaza from the West Bank politically and legally.
Mustafa Barghouti, general secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative, told The Washington Post, “We’ve been under British colonialism already. He [Blair] has a negative reputation here. If you mention Tony Blair, the first thing people mention is the Iraq war.”
White House-backed plan raises legal, regional concerns
The proposal is said to have backing from the White House and aligns with a broader regional push to stabilize Gaza after the war. Reports indicate that US President Donald Trump plans to present the plan during an Oval Office meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to Arab officials briefed on the plan, Trump’s proposal includes a call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all captives within 48 hours, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
While the plan states that Gita would eventually return control to the Palestinian Authority as part of a pathway to statehood, critics argue that its immediate framework prioritizes foreign oversight over local governance.
The document’s leak comes amid mounting international pressure to define Gaza’s postwar future and has added fuel to concerns that Palestinians may once again be excluded from determining their own destiny.
