Ex-MP in favour of Gaza transition role for Blair

Former Worcester MP, Mike Foster, was a minister in Sir Tony Blair's government

A former Labour MP for Worcester has said former prime minster Sir Tony Blair would be well-placed to help lead the peace process in Gaza.

President Trump's 20-point peace plan, which led to Friday's ceasefire, states Gaza would be governed by a temporary transitional body of Palestinian officials supervised by a "Board of Peace" led by Trump and involving Sir Tony.

"He knows how to run a country, so I would've thought having him on board some form of transition authority would be a good thing," said Mike Foster of the former premier.

The proposed appointment has been condemned by critics of Sir Tony's invasion of Iraq in 2003, and Palestinian voices who see him as too close to Israel.

Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, posted on social media: "Tony Blair? Hell no. Hands off Palestine."

In a reference to the location of the International Criminal Court, she added: "Shall we meet in The Hague perhaps?"

Under the plan, governance of Gaza would eventually be handed over to the Palestinian Authority (PA).

Under Trump's peace plan, Tony Blair would be involved in a "Board of Peace"

Mr Foster was a minister in Tony Blair's government, and referenced the former PM's involvement in the Good Friday Agreement as an example of why he would be suited to Board of Peace involvement.

The agreement was a political deal designed to bring an end to 30 years of violent conflict in Northern Ireland and was signed in April 1998.

Sir Tony and his Irish counterpart, Bertie Ahern, were personally present at the talks during the final week.

"He's got the experience of that, as well as obviously 10 years' experience of being a prime minister," said Mr Foster.

• Trump trusts Blair, others don't - could he govern Gaza?

• Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan in full

Sir Simon Fraser, former head of the UK Foreign Office, said Sir Tony had shown genuine interest in the Palestinian issue and was trusted in Washington, Israel and the Gulf.

But, in reference to persisting anger over the 2003 war, he added: "The Arab street has not forgotten Iraq."

The former Worcester MP said: "He's done an enormous amount of work with the Tony Blair Foundation, and he's done a lot of work in the Middle East with Gulf states."

"He's a trusted partner with the Gulf states and they are absolutely key in bringing forward a peaceful solution, bringing the resources that… are going to be needed to get Gaza back up on its feet.

"If you're trusted by the White House, you're trusted by the Gulf states, clearly you are someone who should be playing a key role going forward."