British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been formally invited to participate in a Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ initiative spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to reports from The Times. This development signals strengthening diplomatic relations between the newly elected UK leader and the American administration.
The proposed board, which Trump described as ‘being formed’ during recent press remarks, aims to oversee reconstruction efforts in the conflict-devastated Gaza Strip. The President characterized the body as comprising ‘the most important leaders of the most important nations,’ with approximately fifteen world leaders expected to participate, including those from the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
Notably, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, initially considered for a leadership role on the board, was reportedly removed from consideration late last year following pressure from several Arab and Muslim states. Blair’s legacy remains controversial due to his role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq alongside the United States.
According to Financial Times reports, the board’s structure will include a smaller executive committee featuring Blair alongside Jared Kushner, the President’s son-in-law, and Trump adviser Steve Witkoff, though membership will be restricted to serving world leaders for the primary board.
Substantial uncertainties surround the board’s operational framework and priorities, particularly regarding post-war governance structures for Gaza and the composition of an international security force. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s opposition to Turkish participation in such a force has reportedly discouraged several potential partner nations, including Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia, from contributing troops.
The initiative emerges against a backdrop of continued violence. Israeli forces have reportedly violated ceasefire agreements nearly 1,200 times over three months, resulting in 439 Palestinian fatalities through airstrikes, shelling, and home demolitions. A stringent blockade persists on Gaza, with closed border crossings severely restricting humanitarian aid access.
According to Palestinian health authorities, the conflict has claimed over 71,400 Palestinian lives in Gaza since October 2023, including at least 20,000 children, highlighting the urgent humanitarian crisis confronting the region.