The White House has unveiled a proposal to end Israel’s war in Gaza that would see the territory placed under a temporary governing structure, with US president Donald Trump and former UK prime minister Tony Blair at its centre.
Here’s what the plan involves and why it has already sparked debate.
What is being proposed?
The plan calls for Gaza to be run by a “temporary transitional governance” — essentially, a technocratic Palestinian committee made up of “qualified Palestinians and international experts.” Hamas would have no role in this arrangement.
This committee would handle public services and local administration. It would report to a newly created body called the “Board of Peace.”
Who would lead it?
The Board of Peace would be chaired by Trump and include other world leaders. Tony Blair is the most prominent name floated as a member.
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Why Blair?
Blair has kept ties in the region through his think-tank, the Tony Blair Institute, which has been in contact with international groups on Gaza’s reconstruction. He also met Trump in Washington last month to discuss the plan.
Why is his role controversial?
Blair remains deeply unpopular in parts of the Middle East due to his role in the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. His claims about weapons of mass destruction, later discredited, left him with a legacy many critics say disqualifies him from involvement in Palestinian affairs.
Mustafa Barghouti, a Palestinian politician, bluntly stated: “If you mention Tony Blair, the first thing people mention is the Iraq war.” UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese reacted with: “Tony Blair? Hell no. Hands off Palestine.”
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What will the body actually do?
According to the proposal, the interim authority would:
- Manage daily governance in Gaza.
- Oversee funding and redevelopment projects.
- Operate until the Palestinian Authority “completes its reform program.”
No clear timeline has been given.
Why now?
The plan comes amid mounting global outrage over Israel’s military campaign, which has killed tens of thousands in Gaza and displaced its entire population. Critics accuse Israel of committing genocide; Israel insists it is acting in self-defense after Hamas’ October 2023 attack.
Reactions to the plan:
Hamas dismisses plan as foreign “guardianship”
Hamas officials rejected the U.S. proposal, with Gaza government spokesman Ismail Al-Thawabta calling it “an attempt to impose a new guardianship that legitimizes the Israeli occupation.” He said any arrangement that ignored Palestinian rights and reduced Gaza to a demilitarized entity under international administration was “categorically rejected.”
Palestinian Authority welcomes U.S. involvement
In contrast, the Palestinian Authority expressed support. Through state news agency WAFA, it said it welcomed Trump’s efforts to end the conflict and reiterated its commitment to work with the U.S. and international partners. The PA stressed that any deal must pave the way toward a just peace based on the two-state solution.
Gaza residents voice skepticism
On the ground, some Palestinians expressed frustration. A displaced father in Gaza City told Reuters that Trump’s talk of peace came as Israeli bombardments intensified. “We don’t want to replace an occupation by another,” he said. “We want to hold elections and elect our own leaders.”
Britain urges Hamas to “end the misery”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported Trump’s initiative, calling on all sides to engage with the plan. “Hamas should now agree to the plan and end the misery, by laying down their arms and releasing all remaining hostages,” he said at Labour’s annual conference.
Arab states ready to cooperate
The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar and Egypt issued a joint statement backing Trump’s proposal. They said Arab and Islamic countries stood ready to work with the U.S. and other parties to finalise and implement the agreement.
European leaders signal cautious approval
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the plan as “a unique opportunity to end the horrific war in Gaza” and warned Hamas not to waste it. French President Emmanuel Macron said Hamas had “no choice” but to accept the deal and release all hostages. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also hailed the proposal, calling it a potential “turning point” that could ensure a ceasefire, humanitarian access and the safe return of captives.
Israeli opposition backs Netanyahu on deal
While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the plan alongside Trump at the White House, opposition leaders also voiced support. Former defence minister Benny Gantz said Trump’s proposal aligned with Israel’s security needs and urged immediate implementation. Ex-prime minister Yair Lapid described it as a “proper basis” for ending the war and securing a hostage deal.
Analysts warn of peacekeeping challenges
Some experts praised Trump for rejecting Israeli annexation of Palestinian land and for emphasising a UN role in humanitarian relief. However, Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group cautioned that any international security force in Gaza would face “serious risks and optics problems,” as maintaining order might require the use of force once Israeli troops withdrew.
Netanyahu issues ultimatum
Standing next to Trump, Netanyahu warned that if Hamas rejected the proposal, Israel would press ahead with military action. “This can be done the easy way or the hard way. But it will be done,” he said.