Keir Starmer was accused of piggybacking on Donald Trump’s Gaza breakthrough today.
The PM is in Egypt for a signing ceremony as the peace deal starts coming into operation.
He hailed the ‘tireless diplomatic efforts’ of Mr Trump this morning, crediting him with securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.
But Sir Keir has been accused of only coming for a ‘photo op’ after risking derailing the process by recognising Palestine as a state last month.
Conservatives likened the prime minister to ex-Chelsea footballer John Terry, who famously donned a full kit to celebrate lifting the Champions League trophy even though he didn’t participate in the final match.
The Middle East envoy for the Trump administration stepped in this morning to ease tensions after the US ambassador to Israel criticized a Cabinet minister as ‘delusional’ for claiming the UK played a ‘key role’.
Steve Witkoff praised Britain’s ‘vital role’ – singling out under-fire national security adviser Jonathan Powell for his ‘incredible input’.
Keir Starmer is in Egypt for a signing ceremony as the peace deal starts coming into operation
Sir Keir (right) met Emmanuel Macron (left) and Mahmud Abbas (centre) in Sharm el-Sheikh today
Donald Trump is in the Middle East today to mark the peace agreement. Pictured with Benjamin Netanyahu
Conservatives likened the prime minister to ex-Chelsea footballer John Terry, who famously donned a full kit to celebrate lifting the Champions League trophy even though he didn’t participate in the final match.
Terry has since insisted he had no choice about changing into his full kit after the team’s victory in 2012
Memes of Keir Starmer as John Terry are already circulating on social media
Sir Keir is joining Mr Trump, other world leaders and negotiators from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey to sign off the peace plan in Sharm el-Sheikh.
The summit, co-hosted by the US president and Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, is part of ongoing efforts to preserve the delicate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which has held since Friday.
Israel said just after 6am that Hamas had released the first seven hostages into the custody of the Red Cross.
In a declaration, Sir Keir expressed: ‘I share the immense relief as Avinatan Or and other hostages are freed today. However, this also serves as a stark reminder of the treatment he received from Hamas and the shocking atrocities the world witnessed two years ago.’
‘After meeting his family, I recognize that no one can fully grasp the torture and pain they endured over two prolonged years, and my thoughts are with them. My thoughts are also with the family of Yossi Sharabi, who still await news.’
‘I reiterate my thanks for the tireless diplomatic efforts of the United States, Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye. It is now crucial that we work together to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, and that will be my focus in Egypt today.
‘Commitment to this plan from all parties will be essential to ending the war and building the foundations for a sustainable path to a long-term peace. The UK will support the crucial next stage of talks to ensure the implementation of the peace plan.’
In interviews yesterday, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the UK played a ‘key role’ in securing the Gaza ceasefire.
However, the US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said she was ‘delusional’, and Benjamin Netanyahu’s deputy foreign minister, Sharren Haskel, bluntly rejected the claim.
Mr Witkoff posted on X this morning: ‘I would like to acknowledge the vital role of the United Kingdom in assisting and coordinating efforts that have led us to this historic day in Israel.
‘In particular, I want to recognize the incredible input and tireless efforts of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell.’
It is understood Mr Powell has been speaking to Mr Witkoff almost daily.
Sir Keir is understood to want to draw on the Northern Ireland peace process – which Mr Powell worked on as chief of staff to Tony Blair in No10 – in talks on ‘decommissioning’ Hamas.
Ahead of the Egyptian summit, Mr Trump has travelled to Israel to meet with hostage families and address parliament there.
He said before his departure that many in both Israel and Arab countries were ‘cheering’ the agreement and that ‘everybody’s amazed and they’re thrilled and we’re going to have an amazing time’.
Speaking to reporters while in the air, Mr Trump deemed the conflict ‘over’, adding: ‘I think people are tired of it.’
He also said he hoped to one day visit Gaza, telling travelling reporters: ‘I’d like to put my feet on it, at least.’
Under the first phase of the agreement brokered by the US president, the remaining hostages held by Hamas are due to be returned to their families and Palestinian prisoners are to be released by Monday morning.
In interviews yesterday, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the UK played a ‘key role’ in securing the Gaza ceasefire
US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said she was ‘delusional’, and Benjamin Netanyahu’s deputy foreign minister, Sharren Haskel, bluntly rejected the claim
Steve Witkoff praised Britain’s ‘vital role’ – singling out under-fire national security adviser Jonathan Powell for his ‘incredible input’
Sir Keir will urge those at the Sharm El Sheikh summit to build on the momentum to bring about the second phase of plans to end the conflict.
He is expected to heap praise on Mr Trump and the diplomatic efforts of the other negotiators, as well as commit the UK to playing a key role in rebuilding Gaza.
Sir Keir will say: ‘We stand determined to seize this opportunity to deliver a lasting peace and a stable, secure future for the whole region.
‘Today is the first, crucial phase of ending this war and now we must deliver the second phase, in full.
‘The UK will support the next stage of talks to ensure the full implementation of the peace plan, so that people on both sides can rebuild their lives in safety and security.’
Sir Keir will also announce a £20 million humanitarian aid package for Gaza as the UK is set to host a three-day conference on Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction.
