By DAYO ADESULU
A bold post-war plan is reportedly in motion: former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair desires to lead an interim government in Gaza once hostilities between Israel and Hamas conclude. The proposal envisions a transitional authority that would govern Gaza temporarily before returning sovereignty to the Palestinian Authority (PA).
The plan is being pushed by Blair’s think tank, the Tony Blair Institute (TBI), and is said to enjoy backing from key U.S. figures such as Jared Kushner (former Middle East adviser and Trump’s son-in-law) and Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the region.
How the Proposal Would Work
Gaza International Transitional Authority (GITA)
Under the plan, Blair would head a new body called the Gaza International Transitional Authority (GITA), serving as Gaza’s “supreme political and legal authority” for a period of about five years.
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GITA’s secretariat would consist of up to 25 staffers, overseen by a seven-person board.
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The authority might initially be based in el-Arish, Egypt, near Gaza’s southern border, before deploying into the Strip with a multinational force.
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Funding is expected to come from Gulf states.
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The eventual goal: reunification of Gaza and the West Bank, transitioning governance to the PA, subject to internal reforms.
Blair’s supporters argue this model draws from successful international administrations in Kosovo and East Timor, where temporary international rule helped stabilize transitions.
The plan stipulates that Gazans would not be displaced as part of the process. GITA would include Palestinian representation, strong Muslim state participation, and involvement by senior UN officials.
Political Reception & Pushback
Palestinian Authority Perspective
The PA, led by Mahmoud Abbas, claims it is “ready” to resume control over governance and security in Gaza—though Hamas would be excluded. Some PA aides worry, however, that Blair’s interim rule could evolve into a de facto occupation rather than a genuine transition.
Israel’s Stance
Officially, Israel has rejected PA involvement in Gaza’s governance. However, Israeli statements suggest some “constructive engagement” with the Blair proposal is taking place behind the scenes.
The plan’s success may hinge heavily on Saudi Arabia’s support, and Trump reportedly pushed Blair’s proposal to Saudi leaders during the UN General Assembly. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has voiced support for a post-war settlement leading to Palestinian statehood.
Notably, Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently claimed Gaza could become a “real-estate bonanza” and said he is in talks with the U.S. about dividing territory—comments that underline the angle of territorial ambitions in any final settlement.
Public Support & Surveys
According to TBI surveys, more than 25% of Gazans say they would favor international involvement in their government once the war ends. The results underscore a measure of openness to external governance, likely driven by war devastation and distrust in local political structures.
Challenges & Risks
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Legitimacy & Sovereignty: Taking over governance, even temporarily, may be viewed as infringing on Palestinian self-determination.
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Resistance from Hamas & Other Factions: Hamas would likely contest any attempt by outside forces to take control, especially given its base in Gaza.
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Implementation & Security: Deploying a multinational force and securing territory amid ongoing conflict will be a major logistical and political hurdle.
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Transition to PA Rule: The PA must be credible, reformed, and accepted by Gazans to avoid further conflict.
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Regional Power Dynamics: Support or opposition from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UN, and Israel will influence whether Blair’s plan can succeed.
Why It Matters
If realized, the Blair-led interim governance model would be a dramatic experiment in conflict resolution, combining international oversight with local transition. It could reshape Gaza’s post-war trajectory, strengthen or weaken Palestinian political legitimacy, and either build trust or deepen regional fault lines.
This proposal also shifts the narrative: instead of a purely Israeli-Palestinian dispute, the future of Gaza becomes a multinational governance test.
For now, Blair’s plan remains aspirational—but as war rages and Gaza’s institutions lie in ruins, it is gaining serious diplomatic attention.
