UK to Lead Gaza Reconstruction Efforts, PM Starmer Announces at Historic Peace Summit in Egypt.
Cairo, Egypt:
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged Britain’s leadership in the reconstruction of Gaza, committing to urgent humanitarian efforts and long-term recovery at a landmark peace summit in Egypt.
Speaking alongside regional and international leaders in Cairo, Starmer emphasized that the UK would not only help scale up immediate humanitarian support in Gaza but also play a pivotal role in rebuilding the war-torn enclave after two years of devastating conflict.
“This is a moment not just to address the humanitarian emergency, but to look to the future of Gaza’s recovery,” said Starmer. “Rubble must be cleared, infrastructure repaired, healthcare restored and homes rebuilt.”
The summit, seen as a turning point in the Middle East peace process, comes as global powers back the implementation of the US-led Trump Peace Plan. The UK is positioning itself at the forefront of efforts to deliver both emergency aid and long-term stability in Gaza.
£20 Million in Immediate UK Aid Deployed via Global Agencies
The UK government confirmed that it is delivering £20 million in aid through major international partners including UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). This funding forms part of a broader £116 million UK commitment to the Palestinian people this year.
Breakdown of the aid includes:
- £9.7 million to UNICEF to support healthcare and child protection efforts.
- £7 million to the WFP for emergency food assistance.
- £3.5 million to the NRC to provide shelter, legal aid, and education support.
So far, £74 million of this year’s total commitment has already been delivered to address life-saving needs in Gaza amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Long-Term Recovery: “Palestinian-Led, Globally Backed”
While reiterating that Gaza’s recovery must be Palestinian-led, Prime Minister Starmer stressed the importance of broad public and private investment to ensure sustainable reconstruction.
“The UK will also play a crucial part in that process — convening different parties, as we are doing today with Egypt, and bringing in expertise, experience and investment from the City of London to support reconstruction,” Starmer said.
British investment expertise, particularly from London’s financial institutions, is expected to be leveraged to drive infrastructure rebuilding, job creation, and economic stabilization in the region.
Diplomatic Push Continues: Foreign Secretary to Meet Jordan’s Crown Prince
The Prime Minister confirmed that the UK Foreign Secretary will continue intensive diplomatic engagement this week, including a meeting with HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein of Jordan in London. Talks will focus on maintaining the fragile ceasefire, supporting hostages’ release, and ensuring sustained humanitarian access.
“The UK is working to ensure that the ceasefire is maintained, that all remaining hostages are released, that humanitarian aid is delivered at the pace and scale required, and that a pathway is established for a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” the Prime Minister said.
Background: UK’s Role in Peace and Recovery
This renewed commitment underscores the UK’s broader strategy to act as a global convener and humanitarian leader in the Middle East peace process. With key diplomatic and financial tools at its disposal, the UK is playing a bridging role between Western allies, Arab nations, and Palestinian authorities.
The Cairo peace summit, backed by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and European partners, is considered the most significant multilateral effort to stabilize Gaza and move toward a two-state resolution since the outbreak of the 2023 war.
More details on reconstruction plans, funding mechanisms, and regional cooperation are expected to emerge in the coming days as negotiations continue.
