London, UK – July 30, 2025 –

In a day of intense diplomatic activity, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held critical discussions with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and then met with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said of Oman. The escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, alongside the urgent need for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, formed the central focus of both high-level engagements, signaling a concerted British push for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Gaza Crisis Dominates Talks with New Zealand’s Luxon

Prime Minister Starmer’s morning call with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon saw the two leaders express profound concern over the “desperate scenes of starvation and hunger” unfolding in Gaza. Both emphasized the immediate need for “significant volumes of aid to reach Gaza in the coming hours and days.”

Starmer also briefed Luxon on the UK’s conditional plan to recognize a Palestinian state by September, a move announced just yesterday. While New Zealand supports the eventual recognition of Palestinian statehood, Prime Minister Luxon indicated his country would not immediately follow the UK’s lead, prioritizing the delivery of humanitarian aid as the most pressing concern. The leaders also briefly discussed the situation in Ukraine, reaffirming their shared commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Strategic Dialogue with Sultan of Oman Addresses Gaza and Bilateral Ties

Later in the day, Prime Minister Starmer welcomed Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said of Oman to Downing Street for a pivotal meeting. The discussions began with a strong focus on the “horrific scenes of hunger and devastation in Gaza,” with both leaders unequivocally agreeing that the current situation “cannot continue.” They jointly called for substantial and urgent aid access to Gaza, with Starmer affirming UK support for Jordanian air drops to expedite delivery to vulnerable populations.

Prime Minister Starmer provided an update on his recent conversations with other global leaders concerning Gaza and the development of a long-term peace plan, which now includes a pathway to the recognition of a Palestinian state. Sultan Haitham, for his part, welcomed the UK’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state, reiterating Oman’s consistent support for all efforts that lead to a just and comprehensive peace aligned with international legitimacy and the two-state solution. Both leaders also pressed for Hamas to release all hostages, disarm, and agree to a ceasefire.

Beyond the immediate crisis in Gaza, the meeting also explored broader avenues of strategic cooperation. Discussions included the ongoing UK-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) trade talks, with Prime Minister Starmer highlighting the immense economic potential and benefits for British businesses that such a deal could bring. The leaders committed to deepening collaboration between the UK and Oman across vital sectors, including energy, technology, defense, and security, showcasing the enduring and multifaceted strategic partnership between the two nations. Prime Minister Starmer also commended the Sultan for Oman’s continuous diplomatic endeavors aimed at achieving peaceful resolutions to regional conflicts, particularly concerning Iran.

These high-level engagements underscore Prime Minister Starmer’s active role on the international stage, leveraging key partnerships to tackle the complex challenges in Gaza while simultaneously strengthening the UK’s economic and security ties in the wider Middle East.