In a significant diplomatic engagement, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair met with the newly formed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) on Monday, delivering a clear mandate for the technocratic body to concentrate exclusively on service provision while explicitly avoiding political and security matters.
Blair, serving on the executive board of the U.S.-appointed ‘Board of Peace,’ emphasized during the meeting that the NCAG’s role is strictly humanitarian and administrative. According to Palestinian sources briefed on the discussions, Blair acknowledged the committee’s challenging task but stressed that international support exists for its success, provided it remains focused on civilian services rather than political issues or the disarmament of armed groups.
The NCAG, comprising 15 Palestinians and led by former Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Ali Shaath, represents a cornerstone of the ceasefire agreement ending the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Blair and Shaath reportedly agreed that the committee would have no involvement in weapons-related matters, with Shaath explicitly stating: ‘Don’t involve us in the issue of weapons.’
Despite high-level discussions, concrete operational details remain unresolved. Committee members raised pressing concerns about funding mechanisms and border crossing operations, to which Blair could not provide specific answers. He suggested the committee could utilize existing civil servants in Gaza while acknowledging many might not remain in their positions due to the wartime conditions.
The meeting also addressed coordination with international bodies, with Blair announcing that U.S.-appointed Gaza representative Nickolay Mladenov would meet with the committee in Cairo on Wednesday. Mladenov will serve as the crucial liaison between the Board of Peace and the NCAG.
Parallel diplomatic efforts are underway, with Turkish and Moroccan officials offering support including field hospitals and medical supplies. However, European Union representatives similarly failed to provide specific commitments during separate meetings with Shaath, particularly regarding funding through World Bank mechanisms or police training programs.
According to assessments from U.S. sources, NCAG members could potentially enter Gaza as early as next week, though security arrangements through the Al-Shurafa Company are still being organized without a permanent headquarters yet established.