Dhaka, Dec. 9 -- Tony Blair has been excluded from a leading position on Gaza's peace council following objections from Arab states over his role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

The Independent said the former Labour prime minister had been closely linked to Donald Trump's plan to rebuild the war-torn Palestinian enclave unveiled in September.

But the British daily added that regional leaders harboured deep resentment over his decision to take Britain into the US-led invasion of Iraq to depose Saddam Hussein.

The Financial Times cited sources familiar with the discussions, reporting that Blair was quietly being dropped from consideration for a top role, though he could still hold a position on the sidelines.

Blair was the only person na...