U.S. to tap Tony Blair to run post-war Gaza

The White House is backing a plan for Gaza that would see former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair head a temporary administration before transferring control to the Palestinian Authority (PA)

Tony Blair: To head body called Gaza International Transitional Authority (GITA) serving under UN mandate as Gaza’s “supreme political and legal authority” for up to five years

GITA

Board of up to ten members – including senior UN officials, leading international figures, Muslim representatives, and at least one Palestinian voice – backed by secretariat of around 25 staff

Group of five commissioners supervising key areas of Gaza governance would report to secretariat

Humanitarian affairs

Reconstruction

Legislation and legal affairs

Security

PA coordination

Israeli army: Would withdraw from Gaza Strip once stabilisation force is in place

International force across Gaza’s border would prevent regrouping of Hamas

PA role: Under plan, Palestinians would not be encouraged to leave Gaza, Gaza and West Bank would be reunited and Gaza would be gradually handed over to PA

Hamas would have no role in governance

Arish: GITA would be first based in Egypt – then enter Gaza supported by UN-endorsed Arab multinational forceGaza

Separate Palestinian Executive Authority (PEA) – headed by CEO appointed by GITA board – would deliver services such as health, education and utilities at local level

West
Bank
EGYPT
ISRAEL

Initiative’s success hinges on U.S. ability to bridge Israeli security concerns, Palestinian political aspirations and Arab demands for clear path to statehood

Sources: The Economist, Haaretz, The Guardian, BBC
Picture: Getty Images
© GRAPHIC NEWS