A high-ranking US official has commended the significant contributions made by the United Kingdom and Keir Starmer’s chief aide in facilitating the current Gaza peace summit. Steve Witkoff, the Middle East special envoy for Donald Trump, lauded the exceptional efforts of Jonathan Powell, the Prime Minister’s advisor. This acknowledgment contrasts with criticisms from the American ambassador to Israel, who derided a UK minister as “delusional” for a similar assertion.
In a recent post on X, Mr. Witkoff highlighted the pivotal role played by the United Kingdom in supporting and coordinating the efforts that led to the historic event in Israel. He specifically praised the remarkable input and unwavering dedication of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson mentioned on Sky News that the UK had played a crucial role behind the scenes in shaping the current situation. She emphasized the complexity of diplomatic matters but also acknowledged the essential role played by the American government in reaching this point.
In response, the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, took to social media to dismiss the Cabinet minister’s statements, asserting that she was mistaken and attributing any success to Donald Trump.
Later today, Keir Starmer is anticipated to describe the ongoing Gaza peace summit in Egypt as a critical phase in ending the conflict and violence that have persisted for the past two years. He flew to Sharm El-Sheikh to participate in the peace plan signing ceremony with US President Donald Trump. Joining them are expected to be Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, UN Secretary General António Guterres, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Mr. Starmer is expected to emphasize the resolve to capitalize on this opportunity to establish lasting peace and a secure future for the entire region. He stressed the importance of successfully completing the subsequent phases of the peace process for the benefit of both sides.
During the summit, Mr. Starmer is set to announce £20 million in UK assistance, part of a larger £116 million commitment, to support water, sanitation, and hygiene services for tens of thousands of civilians in the conflict-affected Gaza region.