STORY
Keir Starmer has expressed public support for the new US-led peace initiative for Gaza, calling the proposal “profoundly welcome” and urging all parties, especially Hamas, to “agree to the plan and end the misery.” In an official statement from 10 Downing Street, Starmer announced that the UK will back efforts to end hostilities, free hostages, and facilitate urgent humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza.
Starmer’s remarks were timed soon after the US unveiled a 20-point plan reportedly focused on disarming Hamas, forming a transitional governing structure for Gaza, and orchestrating a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces. He said that achieving a sustainable peace will require “collective effort” from the international community, not just diplomatic pledges.
Reactions across the world have been mixed. While leaders in Europe and parts of the Middle East have cautiously endorsed the proposal, many in Gaza and among the Palestinian leadership remain sceptical, pointing to previous peace efforts that foundered on demands for disarmament. There is a fear that the plan may unfairly penalise Palestinians and sideline Hamas entirely without a realistic path forward. practice is wide.