A once-in-a-generation political dynamic is taking shape. Currently, plans are underway to have a Gaza International Transitional Authority (Gita), with former British PM Tony Blair at its helm. Gita intends to establish itself as Gaza’s “highest political and judicial power.” For no less than five years, it will use that time to guide an all-encompassing governance structure throughout the greater region. The initiative’s ultimate goal is to stabilize Gaza and foster good governance after years of violence and chaos.
The authority would be governed by a board of seven to ten members. This board would consist of a senior official from the United Nations along with well-known global experts with experience in executive management or finance. Further, the board will likely include robust representation from Muslim board members, mirroring the complex demographic structure of Gaza’s population.
Blair will head a secretariat of as many as 25 full-time staff. Simultaneously, as the new PM, he will lead a seven-member board that heads an executive branch overseeing daily governance in Gaza on an array of issues. The authority will have a sweeping mandate. It will directly supervise significant ministries like health, education, finance, infrastructure, judicial affairs, and welfare.
Once formed, the Gita board will officially install a CEO to run the Palestinian Executive Authority (PEA). This decision is a significant step forward in their governance. This apparatus should be used to promote good governance in Gaza that is accountable to Gazan citizens.
At least at first, Gita will likely be rooted in el-Arish, an Egyptian provincial capital just across Gaza’s southern frontier. This new temporary setup will help provide a smoother transition to their operations while Gita is able to root themselves more fully within Gaza. The prevailing thought has been that the authority would re-enter Gaza any day now. They will be backed by a UN-endorsed multinational force, primarily composed of Arab nations.
A particularly interesting aspect of Gita’s mandate is the creation of a “property rights preservation unit.” This largely unimaginative unit revolves around ensuring the property rights of Palestinians who decide to leave Gaza. It secures for them the assurance that they will be able to return and maintain ownership of their properties long after.
Gita will operate through a group of five commissioners responsible for vital areas of governance: humanitarian affairs, reconstruction efforts, legislation and legal matters, security, and coordination with the Palestinian Authority (PA). This model is similar to past transitional administrations that successfully steered Timor-Leste and Kosovo onto the path to independence.
We believe Gita has laid out a very promising framework. Arab states are still worried that this initiative won’t genuinely lead to Palestinian statehood after all. Critics have a point. The administration’s plan does not address the underlying conditions affecting the Palestinian people. They feel it fails to advance their pursuit of self-determination.
Experts agree that there should be at least one qualified Palestinian representative within the framework of Gita. Finally, this local representative could include a representative from the business or security sector, creating a more complete local representation. This inclusion aims to align decisions made by Gita with the long-term goal of unifying all Palestinian territories under the PA.
“Ensure that the decisions of Gita and those of the PA are, so far as possible, aligned and consistent with the eventual unifying of all the Palestinian territory under the PA.” – The Guardian
The decision has equally captured the imagination of nearly every other player in the corridor. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas insisted that Gaza is an important component of Palestine. He stated that from now on, his administration will assume entire responsibility towards governance and security in the area.
“Gaza was an integral part of the state of Palestine, and that we are ready to bear full responsibility for governance and security there.” – Mahmoud Abbas
Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently weighed in on the continued negotiations for governance of the Palestinian territories. He made the most noise about being profoundly committed to preventing Israel from annexing the West Bank.
“I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. Nope. I won’t allow it. It’s not going to happen.” – Donald Trump
The Gita-gov provides an excellent framework for ruling Gaza. Its success relies on thoughtful implementation and real buy-in from all players. The international community will be a key player in making this transition possible. They need to ensure that it serves the long-term aspirations and rights of the Palestinian people.
“We’re close to getting some kind of deal done.” – Donald Trump
While the concept of Gita presents a structured approach to governance in Gaza, its success hinges on careful implementation and genuine support from all involved parties. The international community’s role will be crucial in facilitating this transition while ensuring that it aligns with the aspirations and rights of the Palestinian people.