Tony Blair Institute Linked to Controversial Gaza Redevelopment Proposal

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) has been linked to a controversial project known as the "Great Trust," which envisions transforming Gaza into a prosperous economic and technological hub, including proposals such as a "Trump Riviera" and an "Elon Musk Smart Manufacturing Zone." The plan, developed by Israeli businessmen with support from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), controversially proposed paying up to half a million Palestinians to leave Gaza, a move widely condemned as ethnic cleansing. While TBI did not author or endorse the final plan, two of its staff were involved in discussions and circulated an internal document outlining ambitious economic plans for Gaza, though this document did not advocate displacement of Palestinians. The project was reportedly shared with US President Donald Trump, who publicly supported the idea of turning Gaza into a luxury resort and economic zone. The involvement of TBI has triggered political backlash in the UK, with critics demanding that Labour leaders sever ties with the institute due to its association with the plan. The controversy raises broader questions about the UK government's stance on Palestine and its relationship with the Tony Blair Institute.