Keir Starmer is set to attend an international peace summit in Egypt to help solidify the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The UK Prime Minister will express gratitude to key figures such as Donald Trump and the diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. A significant moment is expected during the summit with the signing of the Gaza peace plan, signaling a pivotal shift in the Middle East following the two-year conflict, according to No 10.
The US President’s comprehensive 20-point plan outlines the need for Israel to maintain a continuous military presence within Gaza along its border. Security within the region is proposed to be overseen by an international force primarily composed of troops from Arab and Muslim nations.
The Israeli military has confirmed its commitment to defensive operations within the portion of Gaza it still controls. The initial phase of the plan aims to reunite remaining hostages with their families and release Palestinian prisoners by Monday morning. Sir Keir will acknowledge the contributions of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, as well as Mr. Trump, while urging ongoing collaboration to advance swiftly to the next phase of the ceasefire.
US envoy Steve Witkoff informed Israeli officials that a coordination center will be established in Israel by the US to manage Gaza-related issues until a permanent government is in place. This arrangement will not involve US troops on the ground in Gaza but will include personnel reporting to the US and potential aircraft surveillance over the region.
A joint effort involving the US, Qatar, Egypt, and other nations and organizations is planned to identify and locate hostage remains to prevent misidentifications. The role of the 200 US troops heading to Israel in this initiative remains uncertain.
The conflict in Gaza was sparked by an unexpected assault by Hamas-led militants on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and 251 individuals being taken hostage.
During Israel’s subsequent offensive, over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with nearly 170,000 wounded, based on data from Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry. The ministry’s figures, which do not distinguish between civilians and combatants but indicate a significant number of women and children among the casualties, are widely regarded by the United Nations and independent experts as the most accurate estimate of the conflict’s impact.
