Keir Starmer expressed his optimism for achieving peace in Gaza, highlighting the importance of avoiding any missteps in the process. Emphasizing the need for effective execution following Donald Trump’s peace plan, he mentioned the potential role of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair on the Gaza peace board chaired by the US President.
Starmer discussed the significance of the upcoming actions in Gaza with world leaders, including the UK’s potential involvement in supervising the ceasefire and disarming Hamas. He underscored the need for a strategic approach to move forward and ensure progress without errors.
The Gaza peace deal signing ceremony in Sharm El Sheikh saw Starmer, alongside US President Donald Trump and various global leaders, marking a pivotal step towards Middle East peace. The summit, co-hosted by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, coincided with the release of 20 Israeli hostages after two years of captivity, with Israel agreeing to free Palestinian prisoners in return.
One of the released hostages was Avinatan Or, who had been held captive since the Nova festival in 2023. Starmer expressed relief at Or’s release but also highlighted the suffering endured by the hostages at the hands of Hamas. He commended the diplomatic efforts of the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye in securing the releases and stressed the importance of implementing Trump’s Gaza peace plan for long-term stability.
Praising the UK’s role in facilitating the peace summit, US envoy Steve Witkoff acknowledged the contributions of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell. However, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee disputed claims of the UK’s involvement, dismissing Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson’s statements as delusional and crediting Trump for progress.
The developments in Gaza highlight the collaborative efforts and diplomatic complexities involved in achieving lasting peace in the region.