Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has joined US President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss a post-war Gaza plan, according to confirmations from Washington. The meeting signals intensified American efforts to shape what comes next as Israel’s military advances deeper into Gaza City.
White House Discussions
Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff described the effort as a “very comprehensive plan” for the day after the war, though details remain under wraps. Trump has repeatedly said he wants the conflict to end soon, with Witkoff suggesting the war could be settled “before the end of this year.”
Blair, who previously served as Middle East envoy after leaving Downing Street in 2007, worked on economic development in Palestinian areas to support a two-state solution. But Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed the idea of Palestinian statehood this week, telling reporters that “there will not be any.”
Axios reported that Trump’s son-in-law and former adviser Jared Kushner was also present at the meeting, underlining the significance of the talks.
Gaza City Offensive
Meanwhile, Israel has ordered Palestinians to leave Gaza City, warning that evacuation is “inevitable.” Witnesses told Reuters that Israeli tanks entered the Ibad al-Rahman district overnight, destroying homes and forcing residents to flee. Bombardments also continued in Shejaiya, Zeitoun, and Sabra.
The Israeli army said it had engaged militants in Jabalia, destroyed a weapons cache, and eliminated a “terrorist cell.” Arabic spokesman Avichay Adraee urged civilians to relocate south, promising “generous humanitarian aid.”
However, the UN and aid agencies warned that pushing hundreds of thousands southwards would be disastrous, describing it as a potential forcible transfer. Southern Gaza is already overcrowded and unable to sustain large-scale displacement.
Humanitarian Alarm
The UN Security Council, excluding the US, issued a statement calling Gaza’s famine a “man-made crisis.” It demanded Israel lift restrictions on aid, stressing that starvation as a weapon of war is prohibited under international law.
More than 62,900 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Over 90% of homes are damaged or destroyed, while famine grips Gaza City.
Mounting Pressure
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists his forces will occupy the entire Gaza Strip, but both domestic protests and global outrage are mounting. Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv demanding a ceasefire deal to rescue hostages, with only 20 of the 50 captives believed alive.
Mediators have floated a 60-day truce in exchange for the release of half the hostages, but Israel rejected the proposal, demanding a comprehensive deal that ends the war on its terms.
Blair’s reemergence in the peace process, paired with Trump’s push for a settlement, highlights growing urgency in Washington to shape the outcome of one of the world’s most devastating conflicts.
