The war in Gaza has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. Amid the devastation, the United States is quietly advancing a plan to reshape Gaza’s governance once the fighting stops. According to the Financial Times, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is being considered to head a new “Gaza International Transitional Authority” (GITA), a temporary administration that would oversee reconstruction and security before handing power to Palestinians.
The idea has been under discussion for months and gained traction after a series of meetings between President Donald Trump, Arab and Muslim leaders, and international diplomats during the UN General Assembly in New York. It is one of the most ambitious attempts to chart Gaza’s future since the current conflict began.
What is GITA?
Trump’s plan centres on creating a neutral, international authority to prevent a power vacuum after the war. Modelled on previous UN-backed administrations in Kosovo and East Timor, GITA would initially be based in el-Arish, Egypt, before moving into Gaza when conditions permit. It would operate alongside a multinational stabilisation force endorsed by the UN and largely composed of Arab troops.
Under the draft plan, GITA would act as Gaza’s “supreme political and legal authority” for up to five years. It would have a governing board of seven to ten members chaired by Blair, if he accepts the role. The board would include at least one Palestinian representative, a senior UN official, Muslim members, and other international figures with executive and financial experience.
Beneath the board, five commissioners would oversee humanitarian relief, reconstruction, security, legal affairs and coordination with the Palestinian Authority. A separate Palestinian Executive Authority would run technocratic ministries covering health, education, finance, infrastructure and welfare, offering a pathway for eventual integration into a sovereign Palestinian administration.
Trump’s role
At the UNGA, Trump convened a closed-door meeting with key regional leaders including representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Turkey, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia. Speaking to reporters afterward, he described the talks as constructive, saying, “We’re close to getting some kind of deal done.”
In a firm statement made while signing executive orders in the Oval Office, Trump declared, “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. Nope. I won’t allow it. It’s not going to happen.”
The plan reflects a compromise between Trump’s earlier proposals and a UN-backed plan known as the New York Declaration, which called for a one-year technocratic interim administration followed by elections. Trump’s approach allows a longer transitional period under international supervision.
Tony Blair’s role
Blair, who served as Middle East envoy for the Quartet from 2007 to 2015, has close ties to Gulf leaders but remains unpopular among Palestinians due to his role in the 2003 Iraq War and accusations that he obstructed their statehood aspirations. His potential appointment is likely to be contentious, but some US advisers argue his experience makes him uniquely suited to manage the complex environment.
Sources cited by The Economist said Blair was “willing to sacrifice his time” to help end the war and oversee Gaza’s transition. If confirmed, he would coordinate donor funds, oversee reconstruction and ensure security arrangements are implemented effectively.
Regional and Palestinian reaction
Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar have expressed cautious optimism but warned they will only join a stabilisation force if there is a clear roadmap to Palestinian statehood. Without that, they fear GITA could look like another form of occupation.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking to the UNGA via video link after his US visa was revoked, said Hamas must have no role in Gaza’s future. “Gaza is an integral part of the state of Palestine, and that we are ready to bear full responsibility for governance and security there,” he stated.
However, Abbas’s advisers have warned privately that a prolonged trusteeship led by Blair could “turn into an occupation” if it does not lay out explicit steps toward self-governance.
Israel’s position and the hostage issue
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas and historically resisted strengthening the Palestinian Authority. Diplomatic sources say Israel is engaging “constructively” with the GITA concept but Netanyahu has not publicly endorsed it. His upcoming meeting with Trump will be crucial.
Trump’s plan envisions a phased Israeli withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire tied to a comprehensive hostage deal. Approximately 20 hostages are believed to remain alive. Hamas would have no role in the new political order, a condition supported by both Washington and Tel Aviv.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
