Keir Starmer described the day as a significant moment in the quest for peace in Gaza but emphasized the need to proceed cautiously. The Prime Minister highlighted the upcoming challenges for Gaza following the endorsement of the peace plan by Donald Trump, focusing on the importance of next steps and effective implementation. Regarding Tony Blair’s potential involvement in the Gaza peace board chaired by the US President, Starmer deferred the decision to others.
Expressing the UK’s willingness to contribute, Starmer emphasized the country’s potential role in overseeing the ceasefire and supporting the disarmament of Hamas, drawing on experiences from Northern Ireland. Emphasizing the importance of seamless progress, he stressed the need for vigilance to avoid any missteps during the ongoing discussions with global leaders.
At the signing event in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, alongside Donald Trump and other world leaders, Starmer hailed the occasion as a critical initial move towards peace in the Middle East. The summit, jointly hosted by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, coincided with the release of 20 Israeli hostages after two years in captivity, with Israel reciprocating by releasing Palestinian prisoners.
Among the freed hostages was Avinatan Or, who had been abducted at the Nova festival two years prior. Starmer expressed relief at Or’s release but underscored the suffering endured by him and his family during captivity. He commended the diplomatic efforts of the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, emphasizing the need for collective commitment to President Trump’s Gaza peace plan to end the conflict and pave the way for lasting peace.
Acknowledging the UK’s pivotal role in facilitating the peace summit, US special envoy Steve Witkoff recognized the significant contributions of Jonathan Powell, an adviser to the Prime Minister. Starmer’s aide, Powell, played a key role in the behind-the-scenes efforts that led to the historic agreement in Israel.
The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, also acknowledged the UK’s involvement in shaping the peace initiatives, praising the American government’s crucial role in the process. However, the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, disputed these claims, dismissing the UK minister’s statements as delusional and crediting Donald Trump for the progress made.
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