Keir Starmer says Gaza peace summit 'crucial phase in ending war' as he jets to Egypt

The Gaza peace summit being held tomorrow is a "crucial phase" in ending two years of conflict and bloodshed in the region, Keir Starmer is expected to say.

It comes as the Prime Minister jets to Sharm El-Sheikh to attend the signing ceremony of the peace plan alongside US President Donald Trump. They are expected to be joined by Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, UN Secretary General António Guterres and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Mr Starmer is expected to say: “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.

“The UK will support the next stage of talks to ensure the full implementation of the peace plan, so that people on both sides can rebuild their lives in safety and security.”

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During the summit Mr Starmer is expected to announce £20million of UK aid - part of a broader £116million commitment - will be made available to Gaza. This is to help ensure water, sanitation and hygiene services reach tens of thousands of civilians across war-torn territory.

Yvette Cooper said the UK had "worked intensively with international partners in recent months to create the momentum that has led to President Trump’s peace initiative".

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But the Foreign Secretary said the same urgency was now needed for Gaza's reconstruction with around 92% of homes damaged or destroyed. During Israeli attacks, over 67,000 people have been killed in Gaza over the last two years.

Ms Cooper went on: “Gaza has been completely devastated. The ceasefire gives us the opportunity not just to urgently scale up humanitarian efforts but also to look to the future of Gaza’s recovery. Rubble must be cleared, infrastructure repaired, healthcare restored and homes rebuilt."

On Sunday Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the UK had played a "key role behind the scenes" and said there would be no role for Hamas in the reconstruction of Gaza. But Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's deputy foreign minister Sharren Haskel said she would "have to contradict" the assertion that Britain had been a leading player "behind the scenes".

Asked about Ms Phillipson's characterisation of the UK's efforts, the minister said: "Well, I have to contradict her words, unfortunately. Unfortunately, with the declaration of the Palestinian state during a very sensitive time two months ago when the teams were already around the table negotiating, when we truly believe we are able to reach a deal; the message that the UK Government sent Hamas was the message that: the longer they continue this war, they will be rewarded."

The UK joined countries including France, Australia and Canada last month in confirming recognition of Palestinian statehood in a historic move.

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