British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is at the center of an international diplomatic moment, as he weighs whether to join the newly established Board of Peace for Gaza, an initiative spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump. The board, which is a key component of the White House's ambitious 20-point plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas, is expected to temporarily oversee Gaza's administration and reconstruction, drawing in world leaders from across the globe.
According to multiple reports, including those from BBC, The Times of London, and The Guardian, Starmer has been offered a place on the board by a senior member of the Trump administration. However, as of January 13, 2026, no formal invitation had been received, and the decision on whether to accept the role had not yet been made. UK diplomats are actively seeking further clarification from the U.S. State Department regarding the exact responsibilities and expectations for board members.
The Board of Peace is envisioned as an international body that would temporarily run Gaza, manage its reconstruction, and provide day-to-day governance, all while the Palestinian Authority undertakes a sweeping reform program. As outlined in the agreement and reported by Haaretz, the board would be "responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities" in Gaza. The plan promises "modern and efficient governance" intended to serve "the people of Gaza" and attract vital foreign investment.
The board itself is set to be made up of world leaders, with Trump naming himself chairman. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, January 11, 2026, Trump described the board as comprising "the most important leaders of the most important nations. You take the most important leaders and nations, that's who the Board of Peace is going to be." He added, "Everybody wants to be on it," highlighting the strong international interest in participating in the initiative.
The timing of the announcement is imminent. U.S. media reports, echoed by The Times and Haaretz, suggest that Trump may reveal the board's members as soon as this week. A source with knowledge of the matter told Haaretz that the White House might make the announcement on Tuesday, potentially shifting the dynamics of international involvement in Gaza's future.
The Board of Peace has already received a significant endorsement: in November 2025, the United Nations Security Council gave its backing to the plan, lending it additional legitimacy on the world stage. Senior U.S. officials involved in the initiative reportedly envision the board as "a new kind of UN," according to Haaretz, made up of "selected countries that would make decisions affecting the world." This vision, if realized, could significantly reshape how international governance and conflict resolution are approached in the region.
Notably, the board's mandate is broader than just governance. The agreement outlines the formation of an international stabilization force, which will contribute thousands of troops to Gaza. This multinational force is tasked with providing internal and border security, training a Palestinian police force, and supporting the demilitarization of the territory. The stabilization force will operate under the authority of the Board of Peace and coordinate closely with Israel and Egypt. Italy has already formally committed troops to the force, providing a specific troop count and becoming the first country to make such a detailed pledge. Other nations, including Indonesia, have announced intentions to participate, demonstrating the global stakes involved.
Former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, who was initially expected to play a leading role on the board, has seen his involvement shift in recent weeks. Blair's initial inclusion met resistance from several Arab and Muslim states, largely due to lingering skepticism and hostility over his role in the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. As a result, Blair is now expected to join a separate executive committee alongside Trump's advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, rather than the main board itself. In September, Blair had described the American plans as "the best chance of ending two years of war, misery and suffering," but the exact details of his role remain somewhat unclear.
Within the UK, the prospect of Starmer joining the Board of Peace has sparked debate. In the House of Commons on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper was asked directly whether Starmer had joined the board. She did not confirm his participation but reiterated the UK's support for the 20-point plan to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. "That is still fragile and there's still a huge amount of work to do, including humanitarian surge and support, and including the decommissioning of weapons from Hamas," Cooper said. "There's a huge amount of work still to do but it's really important that the whole international community comes together in order to support that."
Starmer himself has defended his proactive approach to foreign affairs, particularly in light of criticism that he spends too much time abroad. Addressing Labour MPs on January 12, 2026, he argued that focusing on global issues is essential for addressing domestic challenges. "The cost of living crisis will not be solved by isolationism," Starmer said. "One thing that is crystal-clear is that we are moving into a world that is very different to the one most of us grew up in, and in a world this volatile you have to be on the pitch. You have to be in the room to tackle the issues working people care about." He further emphasized the importance of being "in the room" for international negotiations on trade and defense, linking these efforts directly to improving the domestic economy.
Despite differing views on the UK's recognition of the state of Palestine last year, Starmer has maintained a constructive relationship with President Trump. This diplomatic pragmatism is seen as crucial for the UK's role in the evolving international landscape, especially as the Board of Peace seeks to include only the "most important leaders and nations," according to Trump's own words.
Meanwhile, the process of forming the board continues. Conversations about the exact makeup of the board are ongoing, and while Starmer is widely expected to accept the offer, both The Guardian and BBC report that the formalities are still being worked out. The world watches closely as the final composition of the Board of Peace is set to be revealed, with the hope that this unprecedented international effort might finally bring an end to years of conflict and suffering in Gaza.
As the dust settles and the board's membership is finalized, the world will be watching to see whether this bold experiment in international governance can deliver on its promises for Gaza—and perhaps set a new standard for global cooperation in the face of entrenched conflict.
