Sharm el-sheikh: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed a ‘deep feeling of relief’ following the release of the last 20 Israeli hostages by Hamas, marking a significant step in the recently brokered peace deal in the Middle East. Starmer emphasized the immediate necessity of implementing US President Donald Trump’s peace plan to ensure lasting stability in the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, Starmer is in Sharm el-Sheikh, where he is participating in talks with US President Donald Trump and negotiators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey to finalize the Gaza peace plan. The release of the hostages was part of the first phase of this agreement, which also saw Israel consenting to free Palestinian prisoners. Starmer acknowledged the emotional toll on families, stating: “Having met his family, I know that no one can truly understand the torture and agony they suffered for two drawn out years.”
Starmer extended gratitude for the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, underscoring the UK’s commitment to the next stages of the peace process. The summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, co-hosted by US President Trump and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi, aims to solidify a ceasefire that has been maintained since the previous Friday.
The British government’s role in the ceasefire has been a topic of debate, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson suggesting the UK played a ‘key role,’ a claim met with skepticism from officials like US Ambassador Mike Huckabee and Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel. However, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, acknowledged the contributions of British national security adviser Jonathan Powell.
As discussions progress, Starmer is reportedly drawing on lessons from the Northern Ireland peace process, aiming for a ‘decommissioning’ of Hamas to pave the way for sustainable peace. Concurrently, Trump met with hostage families and addressed the Israeli parliament, declaring the conflict ‘over’ and expressing optimism about future peace.
In a move to aid Gaza’s reconstruction, Starmer is expected to announce a £20 million humanitarian aid package, with the UK preparing to host a conference focused on the region’s recovery. The comprehensive peace plan includes maintaining an Israeli military presence along Gaza’s border and deploying an international security force from Arab and Muslim countries within the enclave.
Despite these efforts, no British troops are slated to join the multinational force overseeing the ceasefire. Additionally, former Prime Minister Tony Blair is being considered for a role on a ‘Board of Peace’ to oversee governance in Gaza, pending broader approval.
As the summit progresses, the focus remains on securing a lasting peace and addressing the humanitarian needs of the region, with Starmer and other leaders working to ensure the successful implementation of the peace plan.