Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been excluded from a proposed role in administering Gaza under US President Donald Trump's plan to end the war, due to strong objections from Arab and Islamic states, the Financial Times reported, citing well-informed sources. Blair had been the most prominent candidate for a "peace council" intended to oversee Gaza's governance. However, several regional governments opposed his appointment, pointing to his record in the Middle East, particularly his support for the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, and warning that his involvement could sideline Palestinians from managing their own affairs. According to the report, Trump, who has described Blair as "a very good man," had hoped to include him in the new governing structure. Associates of Blair suggested he might still be considered for another position connected to Gaza or for a seat on an executive committee expected to coordinate between the council and Palestinian institutions. That committee may include Jared Kushner and other advisers, and is expected to be chaired by former UN Middle East envoy Nikolay Mladenov. The political dispute comes as Israel faces escalating accusations of violating the ceasefire in Gaza. The Gaza government media office reported 738 violations since the truce took effect on October 10, including 205 shootings at civilians, 358 strikes on homes and individuals, 37 incursions, and 138 demolitions of residential and civilian structures. These actions, the office said, caused the deaths of 386 Palestinians, injured 980 others, and resulted in 43 cases of unlawful detention. The office also accused Israel of failing to meet its commitments on humanitarian aid. Only 13,511 aid trucks entered Gaza over 60 days—just 38% of the 36,000 agreed upon. Fuel deliveries were far below commitments as well, with only 315 trucks entering instead of the planned 3,000, leaving hospitals, bakeries, and water and sanitation facilities on the verge of collapse. Gaza authorities accused Israel of attempting to "circumvent the ceasefire" and worsen the humanitarian crisis, calling on the international community, including Trump and the agreement's guarantors, to press Israel to comply fully with its obligations. Hamas reiterated that Israel must fulfill the first phase of the truce agreement before any discussion of subsequent stages. The military wing of Islamic Jihad, Saraya Al-Quds, announced it had closed the file on Israeli captives after handing over the last body last week, urging mediators to pressure Israel to halt ongoing violations. The Gaza Health Ministry reported one death and six injuries over the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll since October 7, 2023, to 70,366 and the number of wounded to 171,064. The Palestinian Environmental Quality Authority estimated that rubble in Gaza now exceeds 60 million tons, including four million tons of hazardous waste. Reporters Without Borders said 67 journalists were killed worldwide in 2025, nearly half of them in Gaza by Israeli fire. Israeli forces also continued incursions in the eastern outskirts of Deir al-Balah, accompanied by heavy gunfire. Internationally, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and China issued a joint call for an immediate halt to Israeli attacks on Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. The appeal came during the third meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian committee in Tehran, established to implement the 2023 Beijing Agreement that restored diplomatic ties between Riyadh and Tehran. The three countries also reaffirmed support for a comprehensive political settlement in Yemen under UN auspices. Humanitarian concern deepened further as Gaza authorities warned of an incoming storm system expected to bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds that could devastate makeshift camps housing displaced families. Officials said tens of thousands of people sheltering in fragile tents are at risk, blaming Israel for blocking the entry of adequate shelter materials and emergency supplies. Hamas echoed the warnings, urging an urgent relief operation and stressing that the existing tents cannot withstand the expected weather conditions.
