The Trump administration’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has acknowledged the “vital role” played by the United Kingdom in facilitating Gaza ceasefire negotiations. This statement comes in stark contrast to remarks made by Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, who labeled British Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson as “delusional” for her claims about the UK’s involvement in the talks. Phillipson had asserted that the UK had been instrumental in shaping the ceasefire efforts, a claim that Huckabee vehemently disputed on social media platform X, urging her to credit former President Donald Trump instead. Despite the public spat, Witkoff emphasized the UK’s significant contributions to the diplomatic process, marking a historic moment in Israel’s peace efforts. Meanwhile, Phillipson faced further criticism from Israel’s deputy foreign minister, Sharren Haskel, who accused the UK of undermining negotiations by recognizing a Palestinian state. Haskel argued that such actions sent a message to Hamas that prolonging the conflict could yield rewards. The diplomatic tensions coincide with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s attendance at the signing ceremony of Trump’s Gaza plan in Egypt. The UK’s relationship with Israel has been strained over the past year, exacerbated by decisions such as banning Israeli students from the Royal College of Defence Studies and excluding Israeli officials from a major arms trade show. However, military cooperation has persisted, with the UK continuing to supply parts for F-35 fighter jets used in Gaza and conducting surveillance flights that provide intelligence to Israel. The Ministry of Defence maintains that these flights are aimed at rescuing Israeli captives, though their exact role remains unclear.
Witkoff praises ‘vital’ UK role in Gaza ceasefire after US ambassador dismisses contribution
