Story Highlight
– Sir Keir Starmer may join Trump’s Gaza peace board.
– Board aims to oversee Gaza’s management and reconstruction.
– UK diplomats seek clarity on board’s role and members.
– Tony Blair expected to join a separate executive board.
– Starmer emphasizes importance of international engagement for solutions.
Full Story
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is currently evaluating an invitation to participate in a newly established Board of Peace for Gaza, spearheaded by US President Donald Trump as part of a broader 20-point strategy aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This board is intended to guide Gaza’s administration temporarily and oversee its reconstruction efforts, comprising various global leaders.
UK diplomats are reportedly seeking more information from the US State Department regarding the specific functions and membership of the proposed board. According to an initial report by The Sunday Times, Sir Keir has received an invitation, but government sources clarified to the BBC that “a formal invitation has not been received and the decision has not been made.”
US media anticipates that Trump will reveal the names of the board’s members within the week. Among those expected to join is former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, who is set to be a part of a separate executive board alongside Trump’s advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Previously, in September, the US announced that Sir Tony would be involved in the peace initiative. He expressed optimism about the American plans, describing them as “the best chance of ending two years of war, misery and suffering.” However, uncertainty remains surrounding his role due to reported objections from some Middle Eastern countries, stemming from his past as a key figure in the Iraq war.
During a recent flight aboard Air Force One, Trump discussed the formation of the Gaza peace board, describing it as comprising “the most important leaders of the most important nations.” He emphasized widespread international interest in participating, stating, “Everybody wants to be on it.”
In the House of Commons, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper was questioned about the Prime Minister’s potential involvement with the peace board but did not address the query directly. Instead, she reiterated the government’s support for the 20-point plan aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting the fragility of the situation and the considerable efforts still required, including humanitarian assistance and the disarmament of Hamas.
Despite facing criticism for his frequent foreign engagements, Sir Keir Starmer has defended his emphasis on international relations during a meeting with Labour MPs, linking it to his domestic policy goals. “The cost of living crisis will not be solved by isolationism,” he asserted, adding that as the world evolves into a more volatile environment, it is essential to remain actively engaged in global issues affecting the public. “You have to be in the room to tackle the issues working people care about,” he stated.
