Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has emerged as a potential leader for a post-conflict interim administration in Gaza. According to the BBC, a U.S.-backed proposal is considering him to head the authority, which would operate under the support of the United Nations and Gulf countries before eventually transferring power to the Palestinian people.
As per the plan, a new entity—tentatively called the Gaza International Interim Authority—could be established with Blair as its possible head. Israeli media outlets and The Economist report that the authority would seek a UN mandate to serve as Gaza’s highest political and legal body for a period of five years. The initiative draws inspiration from international administration models used in Kosovo and East Timor. Initially, the headquarters would be located near the Egyptian border and later enter Gaza with multinational forces’ assistance.
Blair’s office has clarified that he would not support any plan that forcibly displaces Gaza’s population. In August, he met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss Gaza’s future. U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff described the proposal as “very promising.”
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reaffirmed his support for a two-state solution, expressing readiness to work with Trump and other global leaders, while rejecting Hamas’s future political role and demanding their disarmament.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration had proposed a long-term U.S. administration over Gaza, which included the forced displacement of Palestinians. The plan was later abandoned following accusations of violating international law.
Recently, several countries—including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Australia—formally recognized the State of Palestine, calling for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israel and the United States have criticized this move, calling it a “reward” for Hamas.
On October 7, in response to Hamas attacks, Israeli forces launched military operations in Gaza. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run Ministry of Health, at least 65,500 people have died so far as a result of Israeli strikes.