UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Endorses New US-Led Gaza Peace Initiative, Urges Hamas to Lay Down Arms.
LONDON:
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has voiced strong support for a new peace initiative spearheaded by the United States aimed at ending the ongoing war in Gaza. In a formal statement released on Monday, Starmer welcomed the proposal as a “profoundly welcome” development and praised U.S. President Donald Trump for his leadership in seeking a resolution to the conflict.
“We strongly support his efforts to end the fighting, release the hostages and ensure the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza. This is our top priority and should happen immediately,” Starmer stated.
The Prime Minister called on all parties involved in the conflict to come together in cooperation with the U.S. administration to bring the proposed agreement into effect. He placed particular emphasis on Hamas, urging the militant group to accept the terms of the plan.
“Hamas should now agree to the plan and end the misery, by laying down their arms and releasing all remaining hostages,” he said.
Starmer also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to working with international partners to build consensus around a permanent ceasefire. He reiterated the importance of achieving a sustainable peace that allows both Palestinians and Israelis to live “side by side in safety and security.”
This latest diplomatic push comes after months of continued violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has drawn widespread international concern. The proposed U.S. plan reportedly includes a phased ceasefire, mechanisms for hostage release, and expanded humanitarian access, although specific details have yet to be made public.
Starmer’s endorsement signals the UK’s alignment with Washington’s renewed push for peace and underscores growing pressure on all parties, particularly Hamas, to bring the conflict to a close. The UK government has pledged ongoing efforts in support of a broader international strategy aimed at achieving long-term stability in the region.
Further developments are expected in the coming days as diplomatic efforts intensify to bring the warring sides to the negotiating table.
