Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair Gaza authority talks are underway as he emerges as a possible leader for a postwar transitional body in Gaza. The plan supported by the White House would see Blair head an international authority backed by the UN and Gulf nations before eventually transferring power to the Palestinians.
Blair said he would not support any proposal that displaced the people of Gaza. Reports suggest the body may be called the Gaza International Transitional Authority and would first operate from Egypt before moving into Gaza once conditions are stable. Modeled on past international administrations in East Timor and Kosovo it would act as Gaza political and legal authority for five years.
Blair who also served as Middle East envoy for the Quartet after leaving office in 2007 has already joined high level talks with US officials including a White House meeting with Donald Trump in August.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he is ready to work with Trump and other world leaders on a two state plan though he rejected any future role for Hamas in Gaza government.
The proposal arrives as international debate continues over Gaza future with Arab states France Saudi Arabia and the UN General Assembly all presenting ideas. The war has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and global pressure is growing for a long term solution.
