Ex-UK PM Tony Blair could become Governor of Gaza

UPDATED: Oct 6, 2025 02:19 IST

Tony Blair, once the youngest Prime Minister in Britain for over 180 years, the architect of the Good Friday Agreement, and a man whose legacy remains overshadowed by the Iraq War, is back in the international spotlight.

However, this time, it is not the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, or Iraq that is in focus; instead, it is Gaza. The 72-year-old former British Prime Minister has been chosen by U.S. President Donald Trump to play a crucial role in his controversial 20-point plan for Gaza.

Blair’s think tank, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, contributed to shaping the proposal, which proposes an international transitional authority overseeing Gaza. This authority would report directly to a so-called “Board of Peace,” chaired by President Trump himself, with Blair positioned as a key member, effectively giving him a central governance role in the war-torn region.

Blair’s appointment has already sparked outrage and faced sharp criticism. Palestinians were not consulted in the planning process, and some have openly condemned his involvement. Husam Badran, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, reportedly called Blair “the devil’s brother,” questioning his credibility and calling the plan an ill omen for the Palestinian people. Critics argue that Blair’s involvement risks creating a Western-imposed governance system, a technocratic experiment that may fail to reflect local needs and perspectives.

Supporters of Blair, meanwhile, highlight his extensive experience in diplomacy and conflict resolution. As Prime Minister, Blair played a vital role in the 1998 Northern Ireland peace deal, ending decades of sectarian violence. He later served as a Middle East envoy for the international community and has decades of experience navigating complex international conflicts.

Blair himself has described Trump’s Gaza plan as “bold and intelligent,” expressing confidence in his ability to bring stability to the region despite the heavy shadows cast by his past decisions in Iraq. Public opinion remains divided. While some praise Blair for his experience and willingness to tackle difficult conflicts, many continue to associate him with the controversial 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, an episode that still taints his reputation worldwide.

Analysts warn that his involvement could reignite criticism and protests, both within Gaza and abroad, as the plan progresses. As the Trump-backed proposal garners attention, the world watches carefully. Blair’s new role places him at the centre of one of the most sensitive geopolitical crises of the decade.

Can the former British Prime Minister, an architect of historic peace deals as well as contentious wars, guide Gaza towards stability, or will history repeat itself?

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