Former UK prime minister Tony Blair could play a key role in a traditional authority for Gaza as part of US-led peace initiatives, various British media outlets reported.

Blair has been engaged in discussions with the administration of US President Donald Trump and other stakeholders regarding the establishment of a post-war governing body for Palestinian territory.

Reports suggest that he may lead his authority with support from the UN and Gulf nations, according to the BBC and The Economist.

The Financial Times noted that Blair, who served as a Middle East peace mediator from 2007 to 2015, has expressed interest in being part of its supervisory board.

The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, a non-profit organisation, declined to comment on these reports.

Israeli media previously reported on Blair’s involvement in the US-led peace plan, prompting sources close to him to confirm he has been working with various parties to halt the ongoing conflict.

However, they have emphasised that he opposes any plans to permanently displace Gazans, asserting that any transitional governing body would eventually return power to the Palestinian Authority based in Ramallah.

According to The Economist, the proposed “Gaza International Transitional Authority” would seek a UN mandate to serve as the “supreme political and legal authority” for a five-year period before transferring control to the Palestinian people.

This authority would include a secretariat of up to 25 members and a seven-person board. Initially based in Egypt near Gaza’s southern border, before relocating to Gaza once conditions permit.

Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen praised the idea during an interview with BBC Radio, calling Blair a “wonderful person” and expressing hope for Gaza if he were to take on this significant responsibility.

Blair’s potential involvement could spark controversy due to his role in the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, which was criticised following an official UK inquiry that found he acted on flawed intelligence. Blair reportedly attended a White House meeting with Trump in August to discuss plans for post-war Gaza.

Trump has suggested transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East”, a plan that may involve the forced displacement of Palestinians in the region.