Palestinian Authority deputy chief Hussein al-Sheikh met on Sunday in Ramallah with former British prime minister Tony Blair and a U.S. government representative to discuss post-war plans for Gaza.
The meeting focused on “the latest developments related to the day after phase following the issuance of the U.N. Security Council resolution, in addition to addressing the issues linked to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and the fundamental requirements for achieving the right to self-determination and the statehood,” al-Sheikh wrote in a post on X.
Al-Sheikh went on to commend President Donald Trump and other mediators for having brought about the ceasefire in Gaza, “facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and moving toward the making of peace, security and stability.”
The meeting was also attended by Majed Faraj, the head of the P.A.'s General Intelligence Service; Majdi al-Khaldi, its diplomatic affairs adviser; and Nabil Abu Rudeineh, Ramallah’s top spokesperson.
Al-Sheikh did not name the participating U.S. representative.
The Nov. 17 U.N. Security Council resolution implements a mandate for the United States and partners to launch an International Stabilization Force in Gaza, as well as a Board of Peace which will serve as a temporary authority.
The Board will be led by Trump, who nominated himself for the role. Blair is expected to serve as a senior member of the temporary body.
Under Trump’s 20-point peace plan, the P.A. will take control of Gaza once the initial phase concludes, after “satisfactorily” carrying out a reform plan.
In December 2023, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruled out the possibility of the Palestinian Authority controlling Gaza the “day after” Hamas.
“The difference between Hamas and the P.A. is only that Hamas wants to destroy us here and now, and the P.A. wants to do it in stages,” he stated.
Asked in September about Ramallah’s inclusion in Trump’s peace plan, the premier casted doubt on the prospects for reform, saying, “If all of that is turned on its head, there’s a tremendous transformation.”
“Good luck,” Netanyahu told Fox News‘s “The Sunday Briefing” program. “Some people will believe it happens. I don’t think it’s going to happen.”
