Starmer Reaffirms Backing for Trump's Gaza Strategy in Late-Night Call
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reinforced his endorsement of the United States-led peace initiative for Gaza during a telephone conversation with former President Donald Trump on Tuesday evening. This diplomatic exchange occurs as Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper prepares to convene Palestinian and Israeli officials in a significant push to advance the American leader's comprehensive 20-point proposal for the region.
Downing Street Confirms Discussion Details
A spokesperson from Number 10 confirmed the timing of the call and provided insight into the topics covered. The Prime Minister reflected on the current regional situation and emphasized the critical need for enhanced humanitarian aid access in Gaza. He explicitly articulated his support for the ongoing efforts to implement the US-orchestrated peace plan, which aims to establish a new governance framework for the territory.
The two leaders jointly affirmed their dedication to fostering stability and peace across the Middle East. Additionally, they reached a consensus that Iran must be permanently prevented from developing nuclear weapons. The conversation also touched upon the continuing negotiations concerning the conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the broad scope of their dialogue.
Cooper's Diplomatic Mission at the United Nations
Simultaneously, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is scheduled to arrive in New York on Wednesday to chair a meeting of the United Nations Security Council. According to the Foreign Office, this gathering will mark the first occasion since October 7, 2023—the date of Hamas's deadly assault on southern Israel—that Palestinian and Israeli briefers will be brought together in such a forum.
Ms. Cooper is expected to urge progress in executing President Trump's peace blueprint, which stipulates that Hamas and other militant factions agree to relinquish any role in the governance of Gaza. The plan envisions a temporary transitional committee managing daily public services, overseen by a newly established international body referred to as the Board of Peace.
Addressing Broader Regional Challenges
The Foreign Secretary will also call for intensified international cooperation, describing it as vital for addressing the situation in the West Bank. This appeal comes amid recent measures approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet, which expand Israel's enforcement authority over land use and planning in areas administered by the Palestinian Authority.
Key Israeli ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz, have announced intentions to lift longstanding restrictions on land sales to Israeli Jews in the West Bank. They plan to shift control over sensitive holy sites, such as Hebron's Ibrahimi Mosque (also known as the Tomb of the Patriarchs), and declassify land registry records to facilitate property acquisitions. These developments underscore the complex backdrop against which the peace efforts are unfolding.
