When Tony Blair was first tasked with working on peace between Israel and the Palestinians in 2007, the White House reminded the world that the former British prime minister was not “superman.” Despite his efforts, Blair achieved little progress in that role.
Now, Blair is preparing for a return to Middle East diplomacy. He has agreed to join a committee led by U.S. President Donald Trump that would oversee Gaza as part of Trump’s proposed peace plan.
Blair’s possible inclusion sparked strong reactions. Many Palestinians and Labour Party members in Britain criticized the move, citing his controversial support for George W. Bush’s 2003 invasion of Iraq. Hamas officials flatly rejected any role for Blair, calling it an attempt at “foreign guardianship” over Palestinians.
Yet some former diplomats and colleagues welcomed the decision, arguing Blair is trusted by the U.S., Israel, and Gulf states. They pointed to his role in the Northern Ireland peace process as proof he can bring opposing sides together.
Blair was named Middle East envoy in 2007 representing the U.S., Russia, the UN, and the EU. His mission was to build Palestinian institutions and promote economic development, but his efforts toward a two-state solution collapsed in 2014. Many Palestinians still see him as biased toward Israel.
Criticism of Blair remains intense. Analysts in Ramallah accuse him of siding with the U.S. and Israel, and his role in the Iraq war continues to define his reputation across the Arab world. Some diplomats describe his involvement as “toxic,” while Labour lawmakers call it “outrageous.”
Supporters, however, highlight Blair’s ability to work with world leaders and argue that his diplomatic experience could help. Tom Kelly, his former spokesman, said Blair is skilled at understanding all perspectives. Others say his high-level connections could be valuable in any peace process.
Still, his involvement continues to divide opinion. For some, Blair’s history is too closely tied to Iraq and Israel to make him a credible mediator. For others, his experience and connections offer a rare chance to influence peace talks in one of the world’s toughest conflicts.
