By Peter Omopo
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is considering whether to join a proposed international peace board on Gaza being formed by United States President Donald Trump, UK government sources have confirmed.
The proposed “Board of Peace for Gaza” is part of a 20-point White House plan aimed at ending the war between Israel and Hamas. The body is expected to play a temporary role in overseeing the administration of Gaza, coordinating reconstruction efforts and supporting a lasting ceasefire. It would be made up of senior world leaders.
UK diplomats are currently seeking further clarification from the US State Department on the board’s remit, structure and membership. Government sources told the BBC that no formal invitation has yet been received and that no decision has been taken on Sir Keir’s participation.
The Sunday Times first reported that the prime minister had been invited to join the initiative. US media reports suggest President Trump is expected to announce the board’s membership later this week.
Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair is expected to join a separate executive body linked to the initiative, alongside Trump advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Sir Tony previously described the US peace plan as “the best chance of ending two years of war, misery and suffering”, although the precise nature of his role remains unclear amid reports of objections from some Middle Eastern states.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, President Trump said the board was still being formed and would include “the most important leaders of the most important nations”. He added that there was strong international interest in taking part.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper declined to confirm whether Sir Keir would join the board when questioned in the House of Commons on Tuesday. She said the UK supported the 20-point plan, but stressed that the ceasefire remained fragile and that significant work was still required, including humanitarian assistance and the disarmament of Hamas.
Sir Keir has sought to maintain a constructive relationship with President Trump, despite differences over issues such as the UK’s recognition of the state of Palestine last year. Addressing criticism of his frequent overseas engagements, the prime minister told Labour MPs on Monday that international diplomacy was essential to addressing domestic challenges, including the cost-of-living crisis.
He said global instability meant the UK had to remain actively engaged on the world stage, arguing that “you have to be in the room” to protect the interests of working people at home.
The conflict in Gaza has drawn sustained international attention, with diplomatic efforts continuing amid ongoing humanitarian concerns and regional tensions.
