
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has scheduled an urgent Cabinet meeting for Tuesday afternoon to address the ongoing situation in Gaza and outline potential pathways toward peace. The meeting will bring together senior ministers during the summer parliamentary recess.
During his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Scotland, Starmer discussed collaborative plans he is developing with France and Germany aimed at establishing lasting peace in the region. Downing Street confirmed these discussions took place at Trump’s Turnberry golf course.
The Prime Minister faces increasing pressure from parliamentarians to immediately recognize Palestinian statehood. Over 250 cross-party MPs have signed a letter urging the government to take this step, representing an increase from 221 signatures recorded on Friday.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister stated that this week’s focus centers on creating “a pathway to peace to ensure immediate relief for those on the ground and a sustainable route to a two-state solution.” The government maintains that Palestinian state recognition is inevitable but emphasizes it must occur as part of a comprehensive plan ensuring security for both Palestinians and Israelis.
In response to international concerns about food shortages in Gaza, Israel announced weekend plans to suspend fighting in three designated areas for ten hours daily while establishing secure aid delivery routes. The UK has confirmed its participation in airdrops assisting in the territory.
While aid organizations have welcomed these new measures, they indicate the steps remain insufficient to address escalating hunger among Palestinians in the region.
Speaking alongside Trump on Monday, Starmer described the British public as “revolted” by the humanitarian situation unfolding in Gaza. He characterized the circumstances as “a humanitarian crisis” and “an absolute catastrophe,” emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire.
Trump referenced challenges in US-led peace negotiations, noting that Hamas has become “very difficult to deal with” recently, attributing this to their holding fewer Israeli hostages than previously.
Starmer has compared his trilateral approach with France and Germany to the “coalition of the willing” that supported Ukraine, with his spokesperson explaining that the plan builds upon existing collaboration toward long-term regional security solutions.
Within the government, there appear to be varying perspectives on timing for Palestinian state recognition. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds dismissed suggestions of internal divisions, stating, “We all want it to happen.” However, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has advocated for accelerated action, calling for recognition “while there’s still a state of Palestine left to recognize,” while Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that recognition should contribute to the peace process.
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