Trump claims an “imminent” Gaza agreement as Arab media reveal his 21-point plan — with Blair positioned to oversee a transitional governing body.
The Wall Street Journal, citing Arab and American officials, reported on Friday that former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is being considered to head an interim governing body for the Gaza Strip under a Trump-backed post-war plan.
According to the proposal, Blair, 72, would lead the so-called International Transitional Authority for Gaza, supported by an Arab-led peacekeeping force and staffed with Palestinian technocrats. The arrangement would run for several years before handing control to the Palestinians.
Blair’s potential appointment immediately sparked controversy. His decision in 2003 to commit British forces to the US-led invasion of Iraq — later condemned by an official inquiry as based on flawed intelligence — remains the most divisive act of his career, and a source of enduring hostility in the Arab world.
His tenure as the Quartet’s Middle East envoy from 2007 to 2015 also drew heavy criticism, with Palestinians accusing him of bias toward Israel and presiding over a peace process that delivered little.
War criminals are proposing a war criminal as head of…. Gaza. It would be precious comedy if it were not so tragic https://t.co/Z3MLszXTrp
— Yanis Varoufakis (@yanisvaroufakis) September 25, 2025
Despite this controversial legacy, Blair has remained active in regional diplomacy. Over the past year, he has met Arab leaders and White House officials to push a “day after” vision for Gaza, closely aligning with US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, whose signature is on the current plan.
Reports suggest the proposal sidelines the Palestinian Authority, rules out the creation of a Palestinian state, and instead places reconstruction and border security under international supervision.
At the same time, Trump has sought to frame the plan as part of a broader diplomatic push. Early Saturday, he said on Truth Social that the United States is engaged in “very inspired and productive discussions” with Middle Eastern countries over Gaza.
Talks, he said, had lasted four days and would continue “as long as necessary” to secure a deal. He insisted that all regional states were involved, Hamas was “fully aware,” and that Israel — including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — had been informed at every level.
There is more goodwill and enthusiasm for getting a deal done, after so many decades, than I have ever seen before,” Trump wrote, stressing the need to release captives and achieve “long-lasting peace.”
Trump and regional leaders have unveiled a 21-point plan outlining Gaza’s future after the fighting.
“[It’s] a rare moment where they have revealed some details,” @DashaBurns says on #playbookpod, something she argues has been “lacking” so far.
Listen: https://t.co/GGE2ZprK5g pic.twitter.com/MJV2d8Hrg7
— POLITICO (@politico) September 25, 2025
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that Trump presented leaders with a 21-point Middle East peace plan.
According to Israeli media, the plan’s main elements include: the immediate release of all captives; a permanent ceasefire; phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza; dismantling Hamas’ rule; disarming the Strip with amnesty for Hamas leaders if they leave; deployment of an Arab-led security force; limited Palestinian Authority involvement in civil governance; and a US guarantee that Israel will not annex the occupied West Bank.
A joint reconstruction fund, backed by Washington, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi, would reportedly finance Gaza’s rebuilding.
Trump has pledged a swift end to the Gaza war, but a solution remains elusive eight months into his presidency. On Friday, he claimed an agreement was “imminent,” one that would return hostages and end the war. A senior White House official told Reuters that Trump will meet Netanyahu on Monday to seek a framework agreement.
(PC, AJA)
