The Deputy Chief of the Palestinian Authority (PA), Hussein Al-Sheikh, announced today that he has held a critical meeting with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to coordinate the implementation of the ceasefire and the subsequent reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. Blair is widely anticipated to play a leading role in the proposed transitional governance body for post-war Gaza.
Al-Sheikh, a top aide to PA President Mahmoud Abbas, confirmed the meeting on X, stating that the central focus was on the long-term strategic plan for the territory.
Backing the Trump Peace Initiative
The PA's commitment to the US-brokered agreement was solidified by Al-Sheikh, who asserted the Authority’s readiness to work with key international figures to make the initiative successful.
He stated the two discussed:
"the day after the war and efforts aimed at making [US] President [Donald] Trump’s plan, which aims at stopping the war and establishing lasting peace in the region, a success."
Al-Sheikh further detailed the PA's commitment to the phased approach, saying:
"We have confirmed our readiness to work with President Trump, Mr. Blair and the partners to consolidate the ceasefire, the entry of aid, the release of hostages and prisoners, and then start with the recovery and reconstruction."
