U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland on July 31, 2023. The two leaders will convene at Trump’s golf course in Turnberry, where they are expected to address pressing issues, including cease-fire plans for the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The discussions will focus on the implementation of the Economic Prosperity Deal, which was signed by both leaders on May 8 and came into effect last month. According to a statement from 10 Downing Street, the meeting will cover a wide range of topics, with a particular emphasis on the urgent need for humanitarian aid and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Starmer is anticipated to advocate for more decisive actions to alleviate the suffering in Gaza, where humanitarian conditions have sharply deteriorated. He aims to explore what additional measures can be taken to secure a cease-fire and end the severe starvation affecting civilians. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has prioritized efforts to negotiate a cease-fire in the Gaza conflict, which has been complicated by ongoing hostilities and recent setbacks in negotiations.
On July 27, Israel and the United States withdrew their negotiators from talks with Hamas, which had initially raised hopes for a potential agreement. The Trump administration has attributed the breakdown in talks to Hamas’s lack of willingness to pursue peace, with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, criticizing the group’s actions as selfish and detrimental to humanitarian efforts.
The situation in Gaza is increasingly dire, with reports from Save the Children indicating that at least 133 people, including 87 children, have succumbed to malnutrition and starvation. Aid agencies have declared a humanitarian crisis, warning that conditions are worsening daily.
In response to international pressure, Israel announced a tactical pause in fighting on Sunday, allowing for the delivery of aid during specific hours. This decision comes amid criticism from 30 nations, including the UK, which have condemned Israel’s aid distribution practices as inadequate and harmful. The joint statement from these countries emphasized the need for Israel to comply with international humanitarian law and to ensure the free flow of essential supplies to civilians in Gaza.
In addition to the Gaza conflict, Trump and Starmer are expected to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. Following their meeting, the two leaders will participate in a private engagement in Aberdeen, as confirmed by 10 Downing Street.
This meeting occurs just ahead of Trump’s upcoming State Visit to the UK, hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle from September 17 to 19, 2023. This will mark Trump’s second State Visit to the UK, following his previous trip in 2019, which included an audience with the late Queen Elizabeth II.