Sir Tony Blair briefed Donald Trump on Wednesday about plans to rebuild Gaza after the war ends. The former Prime Minister held talks on the Middle East peace process with the US President and his son-in-law Jared Kushner at the White House.
The discussions focused on how Gaza can be rebuilt when Israeli bombardment ends and how the territory can be governed without Hamas. They also considered the ongoing crisis, including increasing food aid and freeing hostages still held by Hamas.
Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff revealed the meeting in a Fox News interview, stating that Blair is acting as an adviser to him. Witkoff said: "It is a very comprehensive plan we are putting together on the next day and many people are going to see how robust it is and how well meaning it is and it reflects President Trump's humanitarian motives here."
Four-month timeline promise
Witkoff insisted the Gaza war could end within four months. "We're going to settle this one way or another, certainly before the end of this year," he vowed.
The White House added: "President Trump has been clear that he wants the war to end, and he wants peace and prosperity for everyone in the region." Blair reportedly met Witkoff in Washington last month, on the same day Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Blair later met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and briefed him on the post-war plans. The former Labour leader was also involved in Gaza planning during Joe Biden's presidency.
Evacuation warnings intensify
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has warned Gaza City residents that evacuation is "inevitable", affecting nearly one million people. According to Channel 4, church leaders in Gaza City are refusing evacuation orders, calling southward movement a "death sentence."
Sky News reports that 313 people have died from malnutrition and starvation in Gaza since October 2023, including 119 children. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as military operations persist.
Blair's diplomatic experience
Blair previously served as Middle East peace envoy for eight years after leaving Downing Street. His spokesman declined to comment on the White House meeting.
Sources used: "Daily Mail", "Independent", "Channel 4", "Sky News" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
