UK Prime Minister Attends Landmark Gaza Peace Summit
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is attending a significant peace summit in Egypt this Monday, where the signing ceremony of the Gaza Peace Plan marks a pivotal moment in the region following two years of conflict and bloodshed in Gaza, reports 24brussels.
At the summit, the Prime Minister will announce an additional £20 million in UK aid aimed at addressing urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza, where civilians are facing dire circumstances regarding water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
This funding, distributed through organizations such as UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), is expected to assist those suffering from famine, malnutrition, and various diseases.
Starmer will emphasize the UK’s leadership role in the next phase of the peace initiative, coinciding with a three-day conference in the UK focused on Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction.
The Wilton Park summit will convene a coalition that includes representatives from businesses, civil society, and governments to strategize on planning and coordination efforts for postwar Gaza.
Discussions are set to address support for the Palestinian Authority’s transformation and reform program, ensuring its capability to facilitate Gaza’s recovery. Notably, the reconstruction process will be led by Palestinians, explicitly excluding Hamas from governance roles.
International partners set to attend the conference include Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority, alongside private sector and financial development representatives, such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank.
The Prime Minister stated, “We stand determined to seize this opportunity to deliver a lasting peace and a stable, secure future for the whole region. Today is the first, crucial phase of ending this war and now we must deliver the second phase, in full.”
He reiterated that the UK would support the next phase of peace talks to ensure the effective implementation of the peace plan, allowing individuals on both sides to rebuild their lives securely.
Attendees will also explore strategies to mobilize private sector resources to meet the extensive reconstruction needs, as over two years of conflict have damaged or destroyed 92% of homes in Gaza.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper noted, “The UK has worked intensively with international partners in recent months to create the momentum that has led to President Trump’s peace initiative, and to support the ceasefire that is now in place, but we now need to work with the same intensity and urgency to develop a plan for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction.”
Cooper acknowledged the devastation faced by Gaza, stating that the ceasefire presents an opportunity not only to enhance humanitarian efforts but also to plan for Gaza’s reconstruction. Essential tasks will include clearing rubble, repairing infrastructure, restoring healthcare facilities, and rebuilding homes.
The UK’s support through UNICEF, the WFP, and the NRC will address immediate humanitarian needs, while emphasizing that long-term recovery must be led by Palestinians. Nevertheless, significant public and private investment will be required to meet the extensive reconstruction demands.
Furthermore, the UK intends to play a critical role in facilitating this process, leveraging expertise, experience, and investment from the City of London.
Cooper is expected to engage in ongoing diplomatic efforts this week to bolster the US-led peace initiative, including discussions with HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein of Jordan. The UK is committed to maintaining the ceasefire, ensuring the release of remaining hostages, facilitating timely delivery of humanitarian aid, and establishing a pathway towards a just and enduring peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
UK aid commitments to the Palestinian people total £116 million this year, with £74 million already allocated for essential support amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza. This funding includes £3.5 million for the Norwegian Refugee Council, £7 million for emergency food assistance from the WFP, and £9.7 million earmarked for UNICEF to sustain its vital operations in the region.
Currently, the UK has provided £74 million in humanitarian support to Palestine during this financial year.
