A Political Surprise
Shocking Alliance: Why Tony Blair Is Partnering With the PA to Control Gaza's Future
Former UK PM Tony Blair meets with PA Deputy Chief to discuss post-war Gaza reconstruction and governance. Key focus on ceasefire implementation and Trump peace initiative.
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."
Demand to End Undermining the PA
Despite expressing willingness to cooperate on the peace plan, Al-Sheikh coupled the announcement with a firm demand that international efforts cease what he termed the "undermining of the Palestinian Authority."
He cited specific examples of actions he deems detrimental to the PA’s standing, including Israel's opposition to the two-state solution and the controversial Israeli decision to withhold tax revenues over the PA's policy of paying stipends to Palestinian prisoners (including convicted terrorists) and the families of deceased attackers.
The meeting between Al-Sheikh and Blair signals a significant diplomatic moment, positioning the PA to potentially resume a governance role in Gaza while simultaneously using its cooperation as leverage to challenge Israeli policies in the West Bank and secure its institutional legitimacy.