Khaberni - The decision by US President Donald Trump to appoint Tony Blair to a key position overseeing Gaza has sparked objections from some Arab and Islamic countries, shedding light on the challenges faced by Washington-backed plans to manage the sector after the end of the war, according to the British newspaper "Financial Times".
Three diplomats told the Financial Times that some Arab and Islamic countries expressed concerns about involving Blair in a "Peace Council" that is intended to oversee the transitional phase after the war in the devastated sector, due to his support for the American invasion of Iraq in 2003.
The diplomats also noted concerns that the initial plans set by the former British Prime Minister would marginalize the role of Palestinians in managing Gaza.
The countries that Trump is consulting about the future of Gaza include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Turkey, and Indonesia.
The diplomats declined to name the countries opposing Blair's appointment due to the sensitivity of the issue.
An Arab diplomat said, "Some countries have reservations about him because of his vision or past, and others believe that the Palestinians will reject him, which could slow down or complicate the implementation of the agreement itself."
Another diplomat added, "Blair's reputation and his role in Iraq are generally viewed negatively, so it depends on how things are shaped going forward."
He continued, stating that there is an "Arab-Islamic mechanism" to discuss positions, referring to the fact that "during the consultations, some negative reactions were issued," indicating the group of Muslim-majority Arab and Islamic countries.
