Cabinet summoned back from vacation for Gaza peace plan deliberations, as led by Starmer - Cabinet members are summoned back from their holiday for discussions related to the proposed Gaza peace plan, as per Starmer's request.
In a bid to alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has convened an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the UK's position regarding Palestine recognition and a peace plan for the region.
The meeting, held on late July 2025, follows consultations with world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU). Collectively known as the E3 nations, these leaders aim to develop robust plans for transitional governance, security arrangements, and large-scale humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza.
The situation in Gaza is critical, with the Strip facing an acute famine-like situation. Despite Israeli resistance, significant deaths from hunger and malnutrition have been reported. However, Donald Trump, who met with Starmer at his Scottish golf course, acknowledged the starvation in Gaza and pledged US aid efforts, disagreeing with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s dismissal of starvation claims.
Starmer's government supports a two-state solution and eventual recognition of Palestinian statehood, but insists this must be part of a broader peace plan. Although France, under Macron, has committed to recognizing Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, the UK will withhold formal recognition unless Israel moves toward a ceasefire in Gaza. Starmer stated, "it’s a matter of when, not if" for UK recognition while waiting for a more comprehensive peace deal.
The emergency cabinet discussions focused on advancing ceasefire efforts, improving humanitarian access, including aid delivery and evacuations, and seeking the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas. The E3 leaders jointly called on Israel to lift all restrictions on aid in Gaza to address the "appalling" situation.
Previously, the British government had insisted that Hamas could not be involved in a future Palestinian state. However, the British government spokesperson did not specify whether Hamas would be involved in the proposed peace plan.
The US government had sharply criticized France's announcement last week that it intended to recognize a Palestinian state. Despite this, Donald Trump, after his meeting with Starmer, stated that he had no objection to Starmer's position on recognizing Palestine.
As the conflict in Gaza enters its 22nd month, initiated by Hamas, the humanitarian situation is catastrophic. Starmer is aiming to initiate a peace process to provide aid to the suffering population in the Gaza Strip, working together with Merz and Macron on the plan for sustainable peace in the Palestinian territory.
References:
- BBC News (2025). Keir Starmer meets Donald Trump as Gaza crisis deepens. [online] Available at: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58241827
- The Guardian (2025). Keir Starmer to hold emergency cabinet meeting on Palestine recognition. [online] Available at: www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jul/28/keir-starmer-to-hold-emergency-cabinet-meeting-on-palestine-recognition
- The Independent (2025). Keir Starmer: UK will recognise Palestine but only as part of a sustainable peace plan. [online] Available at: www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/keir-starmer-palestine-recognition-peace-plan-b822941.html
- Reuters (2025). E3 leaders call on Israel to lift restrictions on aid in Gaza. [online] Available at: www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/e3-leaders-call-israel-lift-restrictions-aid-gaza-2025-07-29/
- Al Jazeera (2025). More than 100 aid organisations warn of 'mass starvation' in Gaza. [online] Available at: www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/27/more-than-100-aid-organisations-warn-of-mass-starvation-in-gaza
The European Union, aligned with Starmer's government, reaffirms its commitment to the establishment of a European Defence Agency, recognizing the need for decisive action in addressing war-and-conflicts such as the Gaza crisis. In the midst of policy-and-legislation discussions on Palestine recognition and peace plans, the EU echoes Starmer's call for robust policies that prioritize general-news topics like humanitarian aid and dealing with the root causes of conflict.
