Exclusive: Blair asked PA to remove 'Palestine' from textbooks, former UK envoy says

What Happened

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, acting on behalf of the US-established Board of Peace, allegedly requested that the Palestinian Authority (PA) remove the word 'Palestine' from school textbooks and replace it with 'Samaria'. According to Jeremy Greenstock, the former UK ambassador to the UN, this demand was presented as a condition for the PA to be viewed as a viable partner in reaching an agreement to end the conflict in Gaza. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reportedly rejected the request. A spokesperson for Blair has denied the allegation, labeling it a 'complete fabrication.'

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The report highlights ongoing diplomatic friction regarding the postwar governance of Gaza and the ideological battles over Palestinian national identity and education. The alleged demand reflects broader efforts by Israeli authorities and international supporters to influence Palestinian curricula, a move that critics argue undermines the legitimacy of Palestinian statehood aspirations and complicates the role of international mediators in the region.

Watch For

Monitor the activities of the US-led Board of Peace regarding its role in Gaza's reconstruction and the potential for further diplomatic fallout between the Palestinian Authority and international oversight bodies. Additionally, observe any further changes to educational curricula in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as Israeli authorities continue to implement curriculum revisions in state-run schools.