Tony Blair has returned to Middle East politics, attending a White House meeting with Donald Trump and his envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss post-war Gaza plans. The former prime minister has reportedly been working on the proposal for months alongside Jared Kushner, Israeli minister Ron Dermer, and Emirati foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed.
Notably absent from these discussions are representatives of the Palestinian people. While Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas was reportedly briefed, there is little indication that Palestinians have any real say in the plans for their own future. Critics argue that any meaningful solution must begin with Palestinian agency.
Palestinian civil society has put forward its own vision for post-war Gaza. Ubai Al-Aboudi, director of the Bisan Center for Research and Development, stated: 'There is not a single Palestinian at the table.' He emphasised that Palestinians are not voiceless and are calling for self-determination.
Blair's involvement has drawn scrutiny given his role in the Iraq war and subsequent failure as UN Middle East envoy to secure a peace agreement. Details of the current plan remain scarce, but earlier proposals included a 'Trump Riviera' concept involving the seizure of Gaza land, which was widely condemned.
