Reports in Haaretz and The Times of Israel reveal that the White House supports a proposal to set up former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as the head of the new “Gaza International Transition Authority” (GITA), which will serve as Gaza’s highest political and legal authority for five years.
The remains, modeled after the transition management of Kosovo and Timor Reste, were originally based in Egypt and entered Gaza with predominantly Arab peacekeeping forces, which were not later retained.
According to the draft, Gita oversees the Technology Palestinian executives, tasked with providing services, running ministries such as health and education, and overseeing reviewed citizen police.
Hamas is explicitly excluded, but the Palestinian Authorities (PA) are promised to play a final role, but there is no solid timetable.
In contrast, the UN General Assembly recently supported the “New York Declaration.” This is a one-year interim government plan, leaving its strength to the reformed PA after the election.
Arab countries warn that support for peacekeeping forces depends on a reliable political horizon for the Palestinian state. Fearing that Blair’s plans offer only a more palatable form of occupation, he acknowledges Israel’s sense of security while denies the true sovereignty of the Palestinians.
Blair’s involvement is particularly controversial. He enjoys connections with Arab leaders in the Persian Gulf, but the Palestinians broadly entrench his record as a Middle Eastern envoy and his role in the US-led invasion of Iraq. For many, his leadership will represent a continuation of externally imposed control, not liberation.
The plan goes against the backdrop of Washington’s previous floating ideas. Transforming Gaza into a “riviera” and promoting the mass removal of Palestinians has also been widely accused of being framed for ethnic cleanup.
Although details leaked from Blair’s proposals do not explicitly seek evacuation, critics warn that they risk the loss of foreign control and sovereignty without guaranteeing rights, participation or binding timelines.