Donald Trump supports Tony Blair's shocking latest scheme to govern Gaza after war ends

Sir Tony Blair has emerged as the surprise frontrunner to take control of Gaza once the devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas finally comes to an end.

The former prime minister has thrown his hat into the ring with an ambitious proposal that could see him leading an interim administration in the war-torn territory.

Blair's controversial scheme has been developed through his own think tank, the Tony Blair Institute, which has been working behind the scenes to broker a solution. The news emerges as NATO 'unprepared' for chilling new warfare tactic unleashed by Putin as US 'on back foot'.

The Telegraph has reported that the 72-year-old political heavyweight has made a direct offer to spearhead a temporary government in Gaza.

His proposal comes with one critical condition - that power would eventually be transferred to the Palestinian Authority, which previously controlled the territory until 2006.

Trump allies throw weight behind Blair

The former Labour leader has secured backing from some of Washington's most influential power brokers in his unprecedented Gaza gambit.

Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law and former Middle East adviser, has emerged as a key supporter of Blair's audacious plan.

Steve Witkoff, the US president's special envoy, has also thrown his support behind the proposal during crucial White House discussions.

White House meeting seals the deal

During a pivotal meeting with Trump at the White House on August 27, Kushner and Witkoff made their case for Blair's leadership bid.

The pair argued that the former Labour chief could successfully manage a temporary administration in the devastated Palestinian territory.

Sources revealed to The Economist that Blair was "willing to sacrifice his time" to bring an end to the bloodshed and take on the mammoth task of governing Gaza.

Trump backs controversial proposal

The US president has given his seal of approval to Blair's plan before taking it to world leaders on the global stage.

Trump presented the idea to the leaders of Turkey, Pakistan, Indonesia and five Arab nations during this week's United Nations General Assembly in New York.

"Maybe we can end [the war] right now," he reportedly told the assembled leaders during the high-stakes diplomatic discussions.

President draws red line on West Bank

Trump delivered a firm warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday night, ruling out any annexation of the West Bank.

"I will not allow it," he declared while signing executive orders in the Oval Office. "It's not going to happen. There's been enough. It's time to stop now."

The president has previously boasted about his close ties with Netanyahu, but now faces mounting pressure from Arab leaders who have voiced serious concerns about Israeli military expansion.

Blair's Middle East credentials

The former prime minister brings significant experience to the role, having previously served as special envoy of the Quartet on the Middle East.

From leaving office until 2015, Blair worked with the diplomatic body comprising the UN, US, EU and Russia, which mediates the Israel-Palestine peace process.

A spokesman for Blair has refused to comment on the explosive reports surrounding his Gaza leadership bid.

Peace deal hopes rise

Trump suggested during Thursday's press conference alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoan that a breakthrough could be imminent.

"I have to meet with Israel," he said in the Oval Office. "I think we can get that one done. I hope we can get it done. A lot of people are dying, but we want the hostages back."

Secret plan takes shape

Sources have confirmed to The Telegraph that Blair has been developing his war-ending strategy, dubbed the "day after", since fighting erupted in October 2023.

His constantly evolving proposal steers clear of displacing Gazans but would establish a temporary governing body called the Gaza International Transitional Authority.

UN body to oversee transition

The United Nations would establish this new authority, known as Gita, to rule the post-war territory for several years.

Control would eventually pass to the Palestinian Authority, which would be required to undergo major reforms before taking charge.

Gita would function as the "supreme political and legal authority for Gaza during the transitional period", according to a draft proposal seen by The Times of Israel.

The governing body would include at least one Palestinian representative alongside senior UN officials, experienced international business figures, and "strong representation of Muslim members".

Saudi support crucial to success

Trump handed Blair a tight two-week deadline to secure regional backing for his plan during their August White House meeting.

The president was particularly focused on winning over Saudi Arabia, viewing the kingdom as essential to any successful post-war arrangement.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has made clear that any post-war plan must pave the way for Palestinian statehood - a demand Netanyahu has flatly rejected.

Gazans split on future governance

Polling conducted by Blair's think tank has revealed divided opinion among Gaza's population about their territory's future.

More than a quarter of Gazans expressed support for some form of international involvement in their post-war government.

Meanwhile, a third of residents backed involvement from the Palestinian Authority, the administration led by President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank.