Sir Keir Starmer is set to question Donald Trump about the resumption of ceasefire discussions between Israel and Hamas, as the UK becomes involved in efforts to deliver supplies to Gaza by air.
The leader of the government will go to meet the American president while visiting Scotland, as international frustration grows regarding the humanitarian situation in the war-ravaged area.
Negotiations for a ceasefire in Qatar have stalled this week following the departure of American and Israeli teams from the country, as US special envoy Steve Witkoff claimed Hamas lacks the willingness to achieve a deal.
The agreement being discussed was anticipated to involve a 60-day pause in hostilities, with increased humanitarian aid provided as steps toward establishing a permanent ceasefire.
Sir Keir plans to bring up Washington’s efforts with allies in Qatar and Egypt during his meetings with Mr. Trump, and aims to explore further actions needed to quickly achieve a ceasefire, according to reports.
They will also address the newly finalized US-UK trade agreement and the conflict in Ukraine.
Britain is collaborating with Jordan to deliver supplies by air into Gaza and to transport children requiring medical care, with military teams sent for additional support.
Nevertheless, the leader of the UN’s Palestinian refugee organization has cautioned that these initiatives are “a diversion” that will not effectively tackle the worsening hunger in the area, and may even cause harm to civilians in certain instances.
The head of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, stated: “Artificial hunger can only be resolved through political determination.”
End the siege, unlock the gates, and ensure safe passage and respectful access for those in need.
Israel has announced it will halt hostilities in three densely populated regions of Gaza and create humanitarian passages to allow UN convoys to deliver much-needed aid to Palestinians, as well as facilitate air drops.
In a statement, the nation’s armed forces mentioned that they will facilitate “safe transport of food and medical supplies,” while noting that “they stress that combat activities continue.”
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) also stated that there was “no starvation” in Gaza, even as reports of malnutrition and deaths linked to starvation continue to rise.
In a statement to broadcasters on Sunday, James Murray, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, admitted that airdrops have “real limitations and disadvantages,” while emphasizing that the circumstances were “desperate and pressing.”
“Until the restrictions are removed, until assistance can arrive in the amount and volume that is required, we must do everything within our power to assist,” he said during an appearance on Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips program.
He refused to comment on whether he was certain that Israel’s commitment to let UN convoys reach Gaza would aid in feeding its people.
“Let’s find out what occurs with that,” the minister remarked.
What we must not overlook is the significance of removing barriers to aid entering, so that it can arrive in the necessary amounts to help us progress.
Sir Keir will lead a Cabinet meeting next week and is anticipated to introduce a UK peace strategy to partners, as Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to participate in a UN conference regarding a two-state solution in New York in the near future.
He also met with French and German officials on Saturday, during which Number 10 stated they agreed “it would be essential to have strong plans in place to transform an urgently needed ceasefire into a lasting peace.”
A summary from Downing Street regarding the call did not reference Palestinian statehood, a topic where Sir Keir has encountered demands to promptly acknowledge following French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that his nation would do so in September.
Approximately 221 MPs from Labour, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, SNP, Greens, Plaid Cymru, SDLP, and independent members have written a letter urging the Government to take similar actions at a UN meeting next week.
Most of the signatories, 131 in total, are Labour MPs.
The Government states that it is a matter of “when, not if” statehood will be acknowledged, but its current priority is to ensure assistance reaches the area.
Mr. Murray stated on Sunday: “As a government, we are dedicated to acknowledging Palestine, but we must collaborate with global partners and seize this opportunity to inspire transformation.”
It must be included in a route toward peace.
He stated, “140 nations have already acknowledged Palestine. The hardship continues.”
Sir Keir and Mr. Trump, currently in South Ayrshire for a personal trip to his Turnberry golf course, are set to meet on Monday.
