Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has insisted that Palestinians “must be allowed to rebuild” Gaza and pursue a two-state solution, following controversial proposals by US President Donald Trump to “take over” the territory. Starmer’s comments come amid widespread international condemnation of Trump’s suggestion that Palestinians could live in “peace and harmony” elsewhere.
Speaking on Wednesday, Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to a two-state solution, stating that an independent Palestinian state with Gaza as an integral part is essential for durable peace. His remarks align with those of the UN Secretary General António Guterres, who warned against “any form of ethnic cleansing” and stressed the importance of international law.
The EU also described Gaza as an “integral part” of a future Palestinian state, while Germany’s foreign minister called the expulsion of Palestinians “unacceptable and contrary to international law.” Saudi Arabia and Egypt similarly rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land.
Trump’s proposal has sparked UK political debate, with Labour and Conservative MPs weighing in on the implications for Middle East peace. The US president’s comments were further complicated by apparent backtracking from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who emphasised that any relocation would be temporary.
International law experts have warned that forcible transfer of populations from occupied territory could amount to a war crime. Amnesty International condemned Trump’s remarks as “inflammatory, outrageous and shameful,” while Human Rights Watch called the proposal a “moral abomination.”
The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has now reached 47,552, according to the Palestinian health ministry. As the UK navigates its response, Starmer’s call for rebuilding and a two-state solution underscores Britain’s stance against any unilateral actions that could undermine international law.
