The new peace plan announced by Donald Trump to end the war in Gaza has sparked intense debate, as it includes unexpected choices. The plan assigns central roles to two prominent political figures: former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the US president himself.
The structure of the new Peace Council
According to Reuters news agency, Trump’s plan envisions creating an innovative governance mechanism for Gaza. The territory would be administered by a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee operating under a temporary transitional governance framework. The newly established Peace Council would serve as the supervisory body for this process. Trump would lead this international organization, while Tony Blair would be among its members, alongside other heads of state.
Responsibilities and objectives of the transitional governance
The Palestinian committee would assume management of basic public services and local municipalities in Gaza. Its staff would consist of specialized Palestinians and international experts, though the plan doesn’t specify particular names. A significant element is that Hamas is completely excluded from any role in the new governance structure. The Peace Council would be responsible for managing funding for Gaza’s reconstruction. This process would continue until completion of the Palestinian Authority’s reform program, though no clear timeline exists. The plan indicates that international entities have already expressed investment interest.
Reactions and criticism over Blair’s involvement
The proposal to involve Tony Blair has provoked fierce reactions from Palestinian and international actors. Criticism focuses on Britain’s historical presence in the region, as well as Blair’s controversial role in the Iraq invasion, which was based on false claims about weapons of mass destruction. Mustafa Barghouti, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, told the Washington Post: “We already experienced British colonialism. It has a negative reputation here. When you mention Tony Blair, the first thing you think of is the Iraq war.” Similar criticism came from Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on human rights in occupied Palestinian territories, who declared categorically: “Tony Blair? Absolutely not. Hands off Palestine.”
Positive reactions and future prospects
Despite criticism, Trump’s plan received positive reception from significant actors. The Palestinian Authority and a joint statement from many Muslim countries welcomed the American president’s efforts to end the Gaza war. Late last month, Blair visited the White House for a meeting with Trump. The Tony Blair Institute announced it had “extensive conversations with various groups regarding Gaza’s reconstruction after the war’s end“. For his part, Blair issued a statement Monday, characterizing Trump’s idea as a “bold and smart plan“. He also expressed full support for the American president’s proposal to lead the Council that would oversee the transitional governance committee in Gaza.
