UK's Starmer to Join Trump's Gaza Peace Board Amid Ongoing Conflict
In a surprise move, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been offered a seat on a proposed "peace board" set up by Donald Trump as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The board, which will oversee the temporary governance of Gaza and manage its reconstruction, is expected to be chaired by Trump himself.
The development has sparked mixed reactions in the UK government, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stating that Britain supported the 20-point plan aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. However, Cooper emphasized that "there's still a huge amount of work to do" and that international support was crucial to addressing humanitarian issues and decommissioning weapons from Hamas.
Starmer has cultivated a relatively positive relationship with Trump despite their differences on key issues, including the UK's decision to recognize Palestine last year. The Labour leader is now expected to accept an invitation to join the board, although no formal offer has been made yet.
Tony Blair, who was initially considered for the board but was later dropped due to objections from Middle Eastern nations, will instead join a separate executive board alongside Trump's advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. The former Labour prime minister expressed support for Trump's plans, describing them as "the best chance of ending two years of war and suffering".
The proposed peace board has generated significant interest among international leaders, with Trump stating that it would comprise the most important leaders of the most important nations. As tensions in Gaza continue to simmer, Starmer's participation in the board raises questions about Britain's role in mediating the conflict.
Starmer has defended his frequent trips abroad, arguing that they are essential for securing trade and defence agreements that will have a direct impact on the domestic economy. The UK prime minister is set to face scrutiny over his international engagement as the country grapples with rising cost-of-living concerns.
In a surprise move, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been offered a seat on a proposed "peace board" set up by Donald Trump as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The board, which will oversee the temporary governance of Gaza and manage its reconstruction, is expected to be chaired by Trump himself.
The development has sparked mixed reactions in the UK government, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stating that Britain supported the 20-point plan aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. However, Cooper emphasized that "there's still a huge amount of work to do" and that international support was crucial to addressing humanitarian issues and decommissioning weapons from Hamas.
Starmer has cultivated a relatively positive relationship with Trump despite their differences on key issues, including the UK's decision to recognize Palestine last year. The Labour leader is now expected to accept an invitation to join the board, although no formal offer has been made yet.
Tony Blair, who was initially considered for the board but was later dropped due to objections from Middle Eastern nations, will instead join a separate executive board alongside Trump's advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. The former Labour prime minister expressed support for Trump's plans, describing them as "the best chance of ending two years of war and suffering".
The proposed peace board has generated significant interest among international leaders, with Trump stating that it would comprise the most important leaders of the most important nations. As tensions in Gaza continue to simmer, Starmer's participation in the board raises questions about Britain's role in mediating the conflict.
Starmer has defended his frequent trips abroad, arguing that they are essential for securing trade and defence agreements that will have a direct impact on the domestic economy. The UK prime minister is set to face scrutiny over his international engagement as the country grapples with rising cost-of-living concerns.