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.
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.
The focus of discussions has shifted from hostages to Gaza's future governance, according to Morning Star reports. Blair's unique position allows him to bridge different political administrations in ongoing peace efforts.
Humanitarian crisis deepens
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has warned Gaza City residents that evacuation is "inevitable", affecting nearly one million people. Sky News reports that 514,000 people - nearly a quarter of Gaza's population - are experiencing famine, with numbers expected to rise to 641,000 by September.
The UN Security Council issued a joint statement on Gaza famine with all members except the US participating. Church leaders in Gaza City are refusing evacuation orders, calling southward movement a "death sentence."
Sources used: "Daily Mail", "Channel 4", "Morning Star", "Sky News" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
