Trump's Gaza Peace Plan: Tony Blair to Oversee Transition?
US President Donald Trump has announced a 20-point peace plan for Gaza, potentially involving former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair in overseeing the transition. The plan aims to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and has been presented to both sides for consideration.
Trump's "Board of Peace" and Blair's Role
According to Trump, Blair has expressed interest in joining the "Board of Peace," an international body tasked with supervising Gaza's governance temporarily if Hamas accepts the plan. Trump would chair the board, with other international leaders to be announced later. The plan seeks to demilitarize and redevelop Gaza, aiming to end the nearly two-year conflict.
Blair stated the plans were "the best chance of ending two years of war, misery and suffering". Hamas officials have reportedly received the proposal, expressing openness to studying any plan that safeguards Palestinian interests, ensures a full Israeli withdrawal, and ends the war.
Details of the 20-Point Plan
The proposal outlines several key steps, including an immediate end to the war upon agreement from both sides. It calls for the release of all living Israeli hostages and the remains of deceased hostages within 72 hours. In exchange, Israel would release 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7, 2023.
"Full aid" would be immediately sent to Gaza, and a multinational stabilization force would deploy to support security and train local police. The plan also specifies that "Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee", overseen by the "Board of Peace". Hamas would have no role in governance under the plan.
Trump has stated that if Hamas rejects the deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would have his "full backing" to take necessary actions. The plan also leaves the door open to a Palestinian state, contingent on the Palestinian Authority carrying out sweeping reforms.
Reactions and Potential Obstacles
Blair's potential involvement has sparked debate, with some raising concerns given his record on the Iraq War. However, others emphasize his role in brokering the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. "If he can bring those considerable skills there, in both diplomacy and state craft," said Health Secretary Wes Streeting, "that can only be a good thing."
While Netanyahu has reportedly accepted Trump's principles, it is still unclear whether Hamas will agree to the proposal. Some analysts suggest the plan contains enough ambiguity for either side to appear to accept it while using further negotiations to undermine it.
Key Elements of Trump's Gaza Peace Plan
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| End of War | Immediate cessation of hostilities upon agreement. |
| Hostage and Prisoner Exchange | Release of all hostages within 72 hours, followed by the release of Palestinian prisoners. |
| Governance | Temporary governance by a technocratic Palestinian committee overseen by the "Board of Peace" chaired by Trump. |
| Demilitarization | Destruction of Hamas military infrastructure and a demilitarization process under independent monitors. |
| Security | Deployment of an International Stabilization Force to train and support Palestinian police forces. |
| Future of Gaza | Rebuilding and redevelopment of Gaza, with potential for a future Palestinian state contingent on reforms. |
The plan also includes measures for economic redevelopment in Gaza and the potential establishment of a special economic zone. It emphasizes that no one will be forced to leave Gaza. It includes clauses from previous proposals and plans from international actors.
The path forward remains uncertain, and depends heavily on the willingness of both Israel and Hamas to compromise and prioritize ending the conflict. Trump's full backing of Netanyahu should the plan fail also causes concern as to the neutrality of the plan.
