Blair could trump US leader for 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

When you hear that Donald Trump is holding a meeting in the White House about the future of Gaza with no representatives of the Palestinian people present - nor even of Israel, or the neighbouring Arab nations you have to fear the worst.

- SEAN O'GRADY

But when you also hear that Tony Blair has, somehow, interpolated himself into the discussions, you should also exhale with a sense of palpable relief.

In that context, and in the generally bleak outlook for the Palestinian people, the fact that the former British prime minister was present at what might be called a “blue skies” session in the Oval Office - to discuss with Trump all aspects of the Gaza issue, including escalating food aid deliveries, the hostage crisis and “next day” plans for the moments after the war is finally over — is nothing less than divine intervention.

Apart from Trump’s useless “peace envoy” Steve Witkoff, who so disastrously misunderstood Putin’s intentions before the Alaska summit, the only other person with experience of the region was Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and his envoy during the first term.