Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair recently attended a White House meeting with President Donald Trump to discuss plans for post-war Gaza, as confirmed by the BBC. The meeting comes as the US reportedly works on a “very comprehensive” strategy for “the next day” after the conflict, according to US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, although specific details remain undisclosed.
Discussions on Post-War Gaza
The White House meeting focused on developing proposals for the future governance and reconstruction of Gaza. While no concrete details were released, President Trump has previously suggested the permanent relocation of Gazans to neighboring countries and the transformation of the territory into “the Riviera of the Middle East.” Witkoff indicated the plan would reflect President Trump’s “humanitarian motives.”
Blair, who served as a Middle East envoy after leaving office in 2007, previously focused on economic development in Palestinian areas and fostering conditions for a two-state solution. However, this approach contrasts with recent statements from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who, when asked about a plan for a Palestinian state, stated there would not be any.
Military Operations and Humanitarian Crisis
The discussions at the White House occurred amidst escalating Israeli military operations in Gaza. The Israeli army has warned Palestinians that the evacuation of Gaza City is “inevitable” as forces prepare for an offensive. Witnesses reported Israeli tanks pushing into new areas of the city, destroying homes and displacing more residents.
The United Nations and non-governmental organizations have issued grave warnings about the humanitarian impact of an Israeli offensive in Gaza City, where a famine was declared last week. The UN Security Council, with the exception of the US, described the famine as a “man-made crisis” and called for Israel to immediately lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, reiterating that using starvation as a weapon of war is prohibited by international law.
Timeline and Political Pressure
US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism in an interview, stating his belief that the war in Gaza could conclude within the next four months, aiming to “settle this one way or another, certainly before the end of this year.”
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces international and domestic pressure regarding the offensive. Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv, demanding a ceasefire to secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Indirect talks for a ceasefire and hostage release deal reportedly broke down last month, with Israel insisting on a comprehensive deal to bring back all hostages and end the war on its terms.
Background to the Conflict
The current conflict began following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 people taken hostage. Since then, the Hamas-run health ministry reports nearly 62,900 people have been killed in Gaza. The majority of Gaza’s population has been displaced multiple times, and an estimated 90% of homes are damaged or destroyed, contributing to a collapsed infrastructure and confirmed famine conditions in Gaza City.
