DaysofPal– Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nounou said Monday that reports of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair being removed from consideration for leading the proposed Gaza “Peace Council” represent “a step in the right direction,” emphasizing long-standing concerns over Blair’s pro-Israeli stance.
Speaking to Al Jazeera Mubasher, al-Nounou explained that Hamas had formally asked mediators in previous rounds of negotiations to exclude Blair from any role related to post-war administration in Gaza.
He said the former UK leader’s “clear bias toward Israeli occupation and negative positions on the Palestinian cause” made his involvement unacceptable.
Al-Nounou reiterated that Hamas is prepared to enter a long-term truce if the Israeli occupation fully commits to a complete cessation of hostilities.
He stressed, however, that the movement’s weapons “are not up for negotiation,” describing the resistance’s arsenal as an essential component of future Palestinian national defense once a sovereign state is established.
The Hamas official also rejected the idea of an international force attempting to disarm Palestinian factions by force, saying that such a proposal “has never been discussed in any talks.”
He added that Hamas has not received any clear information regarding the composition, mandate, or deployment locations of the international force reportedly being considered for Gaza.
His comments come amid reports in British and Israeli media of a sudden reversal in plans for Blair to head the anticipated Gaza peace administration council.
According to these reports, the decision follows widespread Arab and Islamic opposition to what critics describe as attempts to impose a form of “international trusteeship” on Gaza’s future.
The Financial Times, citing individuals close to Blair, reported that he is no longer in line to chair the council but may still hold a lower-ranking role on its executive board.
This position would reportedly involve technical implementation work alongside figures such as Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and officials from several Arab and Western countries.
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