Downing Street has voiced concern over reports that Vladimir Putin and Aleksandr Lukashenko have been invited to join the so-called 'Board of Peace' for Gaza, a new initiative led by Donald Trump as part of his 20-point plan to end the conflict in the Middle East. The board, which is expected to help govern Gaza in the medium term, has also extended invitations to other world leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Government ministers and officials have strongly criticized the idea of Putin joining the board, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Chief Secretary Darren Jones both stating that the Russian leader does not belong on a peace-focused body due to his actions in Ukraine. Discussions are ongoing among allies about whether the United Kingdom should participate in the initiative, while several other countries have already signaled their intention to join.

The board's membership reportedly requires a significant financial contribution from each participating nation, and the project has already attracted figures such as former Prime Minister Tony Blair. Despite the international attention, UK officials emphasized that the future governance of Gaza should be led by Palestinians.