In brief
The White House meeting, which included Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, aimed to outline a comprehensive post-war plan for Gaza amid warnings of an impending humanitarian crisis. Blair, a former Middle East envoy, is revisiting the discussion of Palestinian statehood, despite Israeli resistance. The situation in Gaza has escalated, with ongoing military actions and increasing civilian displacement.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has joined a White House meeting with US President Donald Trump to discuss plans for post-war Gaza, the BBC has confirmed.
Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has said the US is putting together a 'very comprehensive' plan on the next day after the war. However, little else has been disclosed about the meeting.
Blair served as Middle East envoy for a few years after leaving office in 2007, focusing on bringing economic development to Palestinian areas and creating conditions for a two-state solution. However, when Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar was asked by reporters what the plan was for a Palestinian state, he stated there would not be any.
The White House meeting came as the Israeli military warned Palestinians that the evacuation of Gaza City was 'inevitable', as its forces prepare to conquer it. Israeli tanks pushed into a new area of the city overnight, destroying houses and forcing more residents to flee, while the humanitarian situation grows increasingly dire.
The UN Security Council, with the exception of the US, recently referred to the famine in Gaza as a 'man-made crisis', expressing profound alarm and calling for immediate humanitarian access. Prime Minister Netanyahu faces intense international pressure not to proceed with the assault, as thousands in Tel Aviv protested for a ceasefire.
