Sir Keir Starmer has declined to endorse a potential role for former Prime Minister Tony Blair in post-war Gaza, as a peace deal brokered by Donald Trump raises hopes of ending the conflict. Speaking during a trade visit to India, the Prime Minister said he was focused on implementing the agreement rather than discussing personnel.
Mr Blair was named by Mr Trump as a member of a proposed 'Board of Peace' to oversee an interim governing authority for Gaza, alongside other international leaders. The suggestion has drawn criticism from left-wing opponents and was rejected by Hamas.
Sir Keir described the deal as 'a real breakthrough' and thanked Mr Trump for his leadership. 'The UK has played an important part behind the scenes in relation to these negotiations,' he said, adding that Britain stands ready to assist in implementation.
The agreement, announced late on Wednesday, includes a pause in fighting and the release of hostages and prisoners. It comes two days after the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which killed nearly 1,200 people and saw around 250 taken hostage. Israel's subsequent military campaign has caused tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and widespread devastation in Gaza.
