Starmer welcomes Trump’s plan for peace in Gaza and calls on Hamas to agree

The Prime Minister’s words came after the US President’s 20-point plan was unveiled on Monday, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to it at a press conference.

Mr Trump's plan would establish a temporary governing board that would be headed by Mr Trump and include former British prime minister Tony Blair.

The plan does not require people to leave Gaza and calls for the war to end immediately if both sides accept it.

It also calls for all remaining hostages to be released within 72 hours of Israel accepting the plan.

Read more: Israel agrees to peace plan for Gaza set out by White House - including role for Tony Blair

Read more: Tony Blair set to be part of Gaza interim authority known as ‘Board of Peace’

Mr Trump said Israel would have the "full backing" of the US to take steps to defeat Hamas if it does not accept the proposed peace deal.

Sir Keir said: “The new US initiative to deliver an end to the war in Gaza is profoundly welcome and I am grateful for President Trump’s leadership.

“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.”

He continued: “We call on all sides to come together and to work with the US administration to finalise this agreement and bring it into reality.

“Hamas should now agree to the plan and end the misery, by laying down their arms and releasing all remaining hostages.

“Together with our partners, we will continue work to build consensus to put into place a permanent ceasefire.

“We are all committed to a collective effort to end the war in Gaza and deliver a sustainable peace, where Palestinians and Israelis can live side by side in safety and security.”