Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a confidential meeting with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair late last month to discuss the future of the Gaza Strip. This was reported by Israeli media, quoted by DPA, BTA reports.
The meeting is part of broader diplomatic efforts related to US President Donald Trump's peace plan. The idea includes the creation of an international “Committee for Peace“, which Trump himself plans to head, with Tony Blair also expected to participate. The plan also envisages the introduction of a transitional government in Gaza by Palestinian technocrats, without political affiliation.
According to information from the Israeli television “Kan“ Blair visited the region, and in addition to Netanyahu, he also spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The Israeli prime minister's office has not officially commented on these data.
According to “Khan“ Blair supported the idea that the Palestinian Authority would initially take control of limited parts of Gaza as part of a “pilot project”, with the possibility of expanding its role if it is successful. At the same time, he has coordinated his positions with the United States and several Arab countries and is expected to visit the Middle East again.
A source quoted by the “Times of Israel“ categorically denies allegations that Blair presented a specific plan for the immediate phased return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza.
The Netanyahu government officially remains firmly opposed to any future role for the Palestinian Authority in governing the enclave. For its part, “Hamas“ rejects the disarmament proposal provided for in the Trump plan.
The war began after the “Hamas“ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, in which, according to Israeli data, about 1,200 people died and 251 were taken hostage. According to the Hamas Health Ministry, the number of casualties from Israeli strikes in Gaza has exceeded 68,000. The first phase of the ceasefire in the enclave began on October 10 this year.