Starmer lands in Egypt before Gaza’s plan summit

(MENAFN) UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has landed in Egypt ahead of an international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, where the long-awaited Gaza peace plan is expected to be formally signed.

Downing Street said Starmer will “pay particular tribute” to US President Donald Trump for his mediation efforts during the summit. The ceasefire in Gaza, which began on Friday morning, marks the first stage of a Trump-brokered agreement between Israel and Hamas that also includes a large-scale exchange of hostages and prisoners.

The upcoming meeting, co-chaired by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, will bring together leaders from more than 20 nations. Under the deal, Hamas must release all remaining Israeli hostages — including about 20 people believed to be alive and the remains of up to 28 others — by noon on Monday. In return, Israel will free roughly 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and more than 1,700 other detainees held since the outbreak of the Gaza war in 2023. The agreement also requires Israel to expand humanitarian aid deliveries to the enclave.

While the first phase has been successfully implemented, later stages — covering issues such as Hamas’s disarmament, Israel’s full withdrawal, and future governance of Gaza — remain subject to negotiation.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said Britain had “played a key role behind the scenes in shaping” the peace initiative, describing the effort as “complex diplomacy.” However, she declined to elaborate on the specifics. Appearing later on BBC One, she added that “the role of the US has been critical in this — we can all recognise that.”

Her remarks drew criticism from Washington’s ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who dismissed the claim as “delusional,” posting on X that Phillipson should thank Trump “to set the record straight.” Israel’s deputy foreign minister, Sharren Haskel, echoed that criticism, saying UK decisions — including its recognition of Palestinian statehood last month — had “actually pushed Hamas to embolden their position.”

Despite those comments, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steven Witkoff publicly acknowledged the UK’s involvement, writing, “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.”

According to Downing Street, Monday’s summit will feature a formal “signing ceremony,” which it described as “a historic turning point for the region after two years of conflict and bloodshed.” Starmer is expected to thank Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Trump for their contributions while urging swift progress toward the next phase of the truce. “He will offer the UK's steadfast support and engagement with international partners as we look to secure the ceasefire, get urgently needed humanitarian assistance into Gaza and secure a basis for a lasting peace and security,” the statement read.

French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed his attendance, with the Élysée Palace stating that he will “express his full support for the implementation of the agreement.” Egypt’s presidency said the summit’s goal is to “end the war in the Gaza Strip, strengthen peace and stability efforts in the Middle East, and open a new page in regional security and stability.”

Before traveling to Egypt, Trump announced he would also address Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, noting that “leaders from all over the world” had been invited to participate in the regional discussions.

Egypt’s foreign ministry said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had coordinated summit arrangements with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

Domestically, opposition politicians criticized Starmer’s trip. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel called the visit “a photo opportunity,” claiming the UK “had no role whatsoever” in brokering the truce and arguing that Starmer should be focused on “domestic issues.”

The Israeli government approved the ceasefire plan on Thursday following three days of indirect talks in Egypt. Israel’s military said it has begun a limited withdrawal from parts of Gaza but continues to occupy roughly half the territory.

The UK government has said it has “no plans” to send British troops as part of the multinational monitoring mission, though the US will redeploy around 200 personnel to a new coordination center in Israel alongside forces from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.

Separately, London will host a three-day conference starting Monday on Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction, with representatives from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Germany, and the Palestinian Authority expected to attend.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Britain will continue to back the peace process through financial and humanitarian initiatives, including efforts to attract private investment to rebuild Gaza.

The Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians — including over 18,000 children — according to Gaza’s health ministry. A previous truce in January lasted only two months before hostilities resumed, halting progress on a prior three-stage peace proposal.

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