UK PM Keir Starmer has arrived in Egypt ahead of a major international peace summit in Sharm El Sheikh, where world leaders are set to sign a new Gaza peace plan. The agreement, brokered by US President Donald Trump, marks the most significant step toward ending the two year conflict between Israel and Hamas. Downing Street confirmed that Starmer will pay tribute to President Trump during the summit, which will also be co-chaired by Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Leaders from more than 20 nations are expected to attend, including French President Emmanuel Macron.
The ceasefire, which took effect on Friday, is part of a phased agreement. Under the first stage, Hamas is required to release all remaining Israeli hostages, including 20 believed to be alive and the remains of 28 others, by Monday. In return, Israel is expected to free around 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees from Gaza while allowing more humanitarian aid into the Strip. Speaking on Sunday, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the UK played “a key role behind the scenes” in shaping the peace plan, though she did not elaborate. She emphasized that the United States had been central to brokering the deal but maintained that Britain contributed to the diplomatic groundwork. However, not everyone agrees with London’s claim of influence. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee dismissed Phillipson’s remarks as delusional, crediting President Trump for driving the negotiations. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel also criticized the UK’s stance, saying that the decision to recognize Palestinian statehood had emboldened Hamas instead of fostering peace.
UK PM Keir Starmer Arrives in Egypt for Gaza Peace Summit
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According to Downing Street, the upcoming summit will feature a formal signing ceremony described as a historic turning point for the region. Starmer will express gratitude to Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for their efforts and call for continued coordination to ensure swift progress toward the next stage of the truce. The UK government said it remains committed to supporting the ceasefire and providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The statement added that Britain will host a separate three-day conference focused on Gaza’s reconstruction and long-term recovery. Delegates from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Germany, and the Palestinian Authority are expected to attend. Meanwhile, the US is deploying around 200 troops from regional bases to a new civil-military coordination center in Israel to oversee the truce, alongside forces from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. The UK has confirmed it will not send troops but will contribute diplomatically and financially. Israel’s war on Gaza began after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 people taken hostage. Since then, over 67,000 Palestinians, including thousands of children, have died in Israeli strikes, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Starmer’s presence at the summit signals Britain’s renewed engagement in Middle East diplomacy and its support for a long term, stable peace in Gaza.UK PM Keir Starmer
