** Sir Keir Starmer Presents European Gaza Peace Plan to Donald Trump Amid International Pressure **

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British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled a European-led peace plan for Gaza to US President Donald Trump during a high-profile meeting in Scotland. The announcement follows a series of diplomatic discussions, including a call with French and German leaders over the weekend, amid the collapse of US-led peace talks last week, according to Downing Street. The UK government is set to hold an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday to discuss the proposed peace plan and ongoing aid efforts in Gaza. Warnings of mass starvation in the territory have intensified, prompting urgent measures to address the humanitarian crisis. ### Renewed Pressure for Palestinian Statehood The unveiling of the peace plan comes against a backdrop of growing international and domestic pressure on Sir Keir to immediately recognize Palestinian statehood. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned that malnutrition levels in Gaza have reached alarming proportions, urging immediate action to prevent widespread famine.

"Before we get to phase two, which is what's going to happen afterwards, we want to get the children fed," President Trump told reporters during the meeting with Sir Keir.

### Key Details of the Peace Plan Downing Street has yet to disclose specific details of the peace plan, promising further updates after this week's cabinet meeting. Senior UK ministers have been recalled from their summer recess to attend the meeting, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Sir Keir's spokesperson confirmed that the proposals would also be presented to key allies, including Arab states, over the coming days. The prime minister previously likened these efforts to the "coalition of the willing" formed to support peace initiatives in Ukraine. The plan builds on existing collaborations between the UK, France, and Germany, aiming to deliver immediate relief to those affected in Gaza while outlining a pathway to peace and a sustainable two-state solution. However, President Trump emphasized that his immediate focus remains on getting aid into the territory before addressing future peace plans. ### Political Pressure Mounts In a significant development, 255 UK MPs have signed a letter calling for the government to recognize Palestine as a state, marking an increase from 221 signatures recorded on Friday. Among the signatories are 147 Labour MPs, more than half of the party's backbenchers. This effort follows France's announcement that it intends to recognize Palestinian statehood in the coming months. Labour's election manifesto included a pledge to recognize a Palestinian state as part of a renewed peace process leading to a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. Currently, about 139 countries formally recognize a Palestinian state, although many European nations and the United States have stated they will only do so as part of broader efforts to resolve the conflict. Despite the global recognition, skeptics argue that official recognition would remain largely symbolic unless core issues, such as leadership and the boundaries of a potential Palestinian state, are addressed. Recent efforts by Spain, Ireland, and Norway to recognize Palestinian statehood have been part of their diplomatic push for a ceasefire in Gaza. ### Humanitarian Crisis and Diplomatic Tensions The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with the WHO warning that malnutrition levels are on a dangerous trajectory. Aid airdrops resumed in the territory last week, with Britain joining other nations in delivering supplies through Jordan as Israel temporarily paused military operations. Israel announced over the weekend that it would suspend fighting in three areas of Gaza for 10 hours daily and open secure routes for aid delivery, aiming to alleviate the crisis. However, President Trump has criticized the current aid distribution arrangements, blaming Hamas for stalling peace talks and accusing the group of stealing aid from civilians.

Speaking ahead of his meeting with Trump, Sir Keir described "images of starving children" in Gaza as "revolting."

Both leaders agreed during their meeting that urgent action is needed to alleviate the suffering in Gaza. Trump suggested the US would establish new food distribution centers in Gaza without fences as part of efforts to improve aid delivery. ### Criticism and Skepticism Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey warned Sir Keir against relying on "warm words" from President Trump, whom he described as "unpredictable." Sir Ed urged the prime minister to work with allies to develop a comprehensive plan, even if Trump continues to resist taking decisive action. The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages. Since then, at least 59,821 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. ### Conclusion As Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump continue to navigate the complexities of the Gaza crisis, the urgency to address both the humanitarian needs and the long-standing conflict remains paramount. The European-led peace plan offers a potential roadmap for resolving the crisis, but its success will depend on the commitment of all involved parties. With pressure mounting from international allies and domestic stakeholders, the UK government faces a critical test in its diplomatic efforts to bring peace to the Middle East. **Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter to stay informed on the latest developments in Westminster and beyond.**