Starmer Arrives in Egypt Ahead of Gaza Peace Summit, to Praise Trump’s Role

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer joins international leaders in Sharm El-Sheikh for the signing of the Gaza ceasefire plan, as first-phase agreements take effect.

Starmer Heads to Egypt

Sir Keir Starmer has arrived in Egypt ahead of an international summit where a Gaza peace plan is set to be signed. Downing Street confirmed that Starmer will pay “particular tribute” to US President Donald Trump for his role in brokering the first phase of the ceasefire and hostage return deal between Israel and Hamas.

Ceasefire in Gaza

• A ceasefire took effect on Friday morning after Israel and Hamas agreed to phase one of the Trump-brokered plan.
• Hamas is required to release all Israeli hostages by Monday noon, including 20 believed alive and remains of up to 28 deceased.
• Israel is expected to release around 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees from Gaza, while allowing increased humanitarian aid.

Summit Details

• The summit, held in Sharm El-Sheikh, will be led by Trump and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, with leaders from over 20 countries attending.
• Later phases of the ceasefire, including Gaza governance, Israeli troop withdrawal, and Hamas disarmament, will be negotiated following successful completion of phase one.
• Starmer will thank Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Trump for their efforts, emphasizing the UK’s support in delivering humanitarian aid and a path toward lasting peace.

UK’s Role Under Scrutiny

• Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the UK had “played a key role behind the scenes” in shaping the Gaza peace plan, though details were not disclosed.
• Some critics, including US Ambassador Mike Huckabee and Israel’s deputy foreign minister Sharren Haskel, downplayed the UK’s involvement.
• Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel described Starmer’s visit as a “photo opportunity,” claiming the UK had “no role whatsoever” in the ceasefire.

Ongoing Challenges

• Israeli troops have partially withdrawn from Gaza but still occupy parts of the territory.
• The US is moving up to 200 troops to a civil-military coordination centre in Israel, with support from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
• The UK will host a three-day summit to discuss Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction, with attendees including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Germany, and the Palestinian Authority.

Humanitarian Context

• The conflict was triggered by Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
• Since then, more than 67,000 Palestinians have died, including over 18,000 children, according to Gaza health authorities.
• Previous ceasefires collapsed, highlighting the difficulties in reaching a long-term resolution.