Possible Transitional Authority for Gaza
The transitional authority idea was considered during discussions involving US President Donald Trump and a number of Arab leaders at the UN, when they raised the plausibility of a transitional authority being in charge of Gaza, perhaps even with UN and Gulf state backing. Such an authority would act as an interim authority prior to Gaza being handed back entirely to the Palestinians. Further speculation has been raised by US officials that Sir Tony may lead or chair the transitional authority, but according to a legitimate representative from his office, he would only support a proposal that did not involve the displacement of people living in Gaza.
There are reports that Sir Tony had attended a meeting with President Trump at the White House in August 2023 to discuss potential options and strategy, following the war with Gaza; and, it was said by US officials, the discussions were "very comprehensive." In the past, he served as an international envoy for the Quartet of international powers ( US, EU, Russia and UN) to try to help explore and develop economic opportunities for Palestine, and to frame a two-state solution for a region that has been fraught with both historical and political complexities.
Blair's Past and Palestinian Leadership Response
As Prime Minister of the UK, Sir Tony Blair took Britain into the Iraq War in 2003, and was later investigated by the Chilcot Inquiry for acting on flawed intelligence related to weapons of mass destruction. Recent press reports regarding Sir Tony's potential role in significant diplomacy in the Middle East are being made as reports indicate that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has agreed to engage with President Trump and other world leaders to develop a peace plan for Gaza. President Abbas has ruled out any future role for Hamas in the governance or decision-making of Gaza, and also ruled out any possibility of Hamas disarming itself.
The UK government has recognised Palestine as a state, alongside Canada and Australia, and other countries, such as France, Denmark, and others, have granted recognition as well. Both the Israeli and US governments criticized this act and stated it rewards Hamas for its past military actions. British officials stated the recognition plainly sent a clear signal and message that Hamas has "no place in a government, no role in security and no possible future."
War and Human Rights Violations
The war in Gaza has intensified since the Hamas-led attack in southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 hostages were taken. As of today, reports indicate that over 65,419 Palestinian's have been killed in the fighting and attacks by Israel, including large numbers of civilians as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry.
The UN Inquiry has accused Israel of possible crimes against humanity and genocide in Gaza, which Israel denies. As international calls for a ceasefire grow and the fighting continues, international organizations continue to work on better pathways to governance for the state of Gaza in the event of future conflicts.
