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Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering an invitation to join a proposed “Board of Peace for Gaza,” spearheaded by US President Donald Trump.
The potential body is envisioned as a key component of the White House’s 20-point plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The board is expected to play a temporary role in overseeing the administration and reconstruction of Gaza, potentially comprising prominent world leaders.
UK diplomatic channels are currently engaged with the US State Department, seeking further clarification regarding the board’s precise mandate and the responsibilities of its members.
The Sunday Times initially reported on the invitation extended to Sir Keir.
BBC sources within the government have indicated that “a formal invitation has not yet been received, and a final decision remains pending.”
US media outlets suggest that President Trump is poised to announce the board’s composition this week.
It is anticipated that former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair will participate in a separate executive board, alongside figures such as Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, both advisors to President Trump.
Reports emerged in September indicating Sir Tony’s potential involvement in the peace initiative, with the former Labour leader describing the American proposals as “the best chance of ending two years of war, misery and suffering.”
However, the specifics of his role remain somewhat unclear, following reports that some Middle Eastern nations have expressed reservations regarding Sir Tony’s involvement, given his role in deploying British forces during the US-led military action in Iraq.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, President Trump confirmed that the formation of the Gaza peace board is currently underway.
He stated, “Essentially, it’s the most important leaders of the most important nations. You take the most important leaders and nations, that’s who the Board of Peace is going to be.”
President Trump emphasized the strong international interest in participating in the initiative, noting, “Everybody wants to be on it.”
During a session in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper was questioned regarding Sir Keir’s potential involvement in President Trump’s peace board, but did not provide a direct response.
“We supported the 20-point plan to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza,” Cooper stated.
“That is still fragile and there’s still a huge amount of work to do, including humanitarian surge and support, and including the decommissioning of weapons from Hamas.
“There’s a huge amount of work still to do but it’s really important that the whole international community comes together in order to support that.”
Sir Keir has reportedly fostered a positive working relationship with President Trump, despite differing views on matters such as the UK’s recognition of the state of Palestine last year.
The Prime Minister has faced scrutiny for his frequent international travel; however, during a recent address to Labour MPs on Monday, he defended his focus on foreign affairs, linking it to his domestic policy objectives.
“The cost of living crisis will not be solved by isolationism,” Starmer stated.
“One thing that is crystal-clear is that we are moving into a world that is very different to the one most of us grew up in, and in a world this volatile you have to be on the pitch.
“You have to be in the room to tackle the issues working people care about.”
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