The White House is exploring a plan for Tony Blair to lead a temporary administration in the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media. This proposed body, called the Gaza International Transitional Authority (GITA), would serve as the governing authority for up to five years, initially without the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) direct involvement.
This approach is inspired by the transitional administrations created during Timor-Leste and Kosovo’s path to statehood. GITA would start in el-Arish, Egypt, before moving into Gaza with support from a multinational force endorsed by the UN. The long-term goal is to unify all Palestinian territories under the PA.
Interestingly, this plan assures that Palestinians won’t be forced to leave Gaza, unlike earlier proposals that suggested creating a “Gaza Riviera.” If it goes ahead, Blair would lead a team of about 25 people and a small board overseeing Gaza’s administration.
However, Blair’s involvement is controversial. Many Palestinians view him negatively due to his past role as a Middle East envoy and his support for the 2003 Iraq invasion. Some diplomats caution that it’s not certain Blair will lead the interim administration, suggesting it may only last two years.
The plan surfaced after the UN general assembly endorsed a different proposal for a technocratic administration in Gaza, intended to last just one year before transitioning back to the PA following reforms and elections.
One significant concern is the absence of a clear timeline for transitioning back to PA control. This vagueness could deter Palestinian and Arab leaders. Despite this, some see the plan as a way to reassure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The new White House initiative allegedly strikes a balance between Donald Trump’s earlier, more aggressive proposals and the UN’s New York declaration, which has broad international support. Arab leaders have agreed to contribute to peacekeeping only if there’s a definitive plan for Palestinian statehood.
GITA would include representatives from different sectors, including at least one Palestinian, a senior UN official, and other prominent figures. It’s tasked with managing critical areas like humanitarian affairs, security, and coordination with the PA.
There’s also a proposal for a “property rights preservation unit” to protect the rights of Palestinians during any reconstruction efforts, ensuring that those who leave Gaza can return and retain their property.
Mahmoud Abbas, the PA president, recently stated that Hamas would not be part of Gaza’s governance post-conflict. He emphasized Gaza’s importance to Palestine and expressed readiness to assume governance responsibilities there, despite the PA’s limited control over the territory.
Recent discussions and plans signal an ongoing effort to find a stable governance model for Gaza. As this situation evolves, reactions from both Palestinian communities and the international sphere will play crucial roles in shaping Gaza’s future.
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