British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to accept an offer to join a board led by US President Donald Trump to temporarily administer the Gaza Strip, according to a report by The Times on Tuesday.
The newspaper quoted a senior British official as saying the board’s first meeting is expected to take place next week on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The establishment of the board is a key element of the second phase of a US plan to end the war on Gaza, aimed at creating a civilian-political mechanism to govern the territory in the "day after" the conflict.
Previous media reports said Trump had delayed announcing the formation of the so-called "Peace Council" and unveiling its composition, contrary to plans for early January, due to developments in Venezuela following the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and their transfer to New York.
On 17 November, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution authorising the creation of a Peace Council and allowing states working with it to establish a temporary international force to stabilise Gaza.
The resolution, drafted by the United States, described the council as a transitional administration that would "set the framework and coordinate funding for the reconstruction of Gaza" in line with Trump’s 20-point plan.
The resolution stated that the Peace Council would operate "until such time as the Palestinian Authority completes its reform programme to a satisfactory degree … and is able to safely and effectively regain control of Gaza".
On 10 December, Trump said it was expected that the names of world leaders participating in the Gaza Peace Council would be announced in early 2026. Speaking to reporters during an economic event at the White House, he said a number of leaders "want to join" the council.
"Kings, presidents and prime ministers all want to be on the Peace Council," Trump said, adding,"It will be one of the most legendary councils ever. Everyone wants to be a member."
The reported plans come as Israel continues daily violations of the ceasefire in the besieged Gaza Strip, amid worsening humanitarian conditions expected to deteriorate further due to severe weather and continued bombardment.
Meanwhile, Hamas has said it will facilitate the handover of responsibilities and the work of designated committees in Gaza, while confirming it will not take part in the territory’s administrative arrangements.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said in a statement that the movement was awaiting "the formation of the independent committee to administer Gaza across all sectors, which Hamas and the factions have agreed to establish".
"Hamas will work to facilitate the handover process and the committee’s work, and the movement has previously decided that it will not be part of the administrative arrangements in the Gaza Strip," he added.