British officials who spent the last 24 hours touting the UK's key role in the Gaza ceasefire were given a stark lesson in realpolitik on Monday, as US President Donald Trump overshadowed Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a press conference in Egypt. Trump briefly shook Starmer's hand, called him 'his friend', then turned his back and continued explaining how he had brought peace to the Middle East without letting the prime minister speak.
The images were seized on by critics as evidence that Britain was little more than a bystander while more powerful players haggled over Gaza's future. Earlier, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee had described the British education secretary as 'delusional' after she spoke of the UK's 'key role' in negotiating the deal. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar reposted a message by former British military officer Richard Kemp claiming the UK played no role except a negative one by encouraging Hamas through recognition of a nonexistent Palestinian state.
Downing Street pointed to praise from Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff for Starmer's national security adviser Jonathan Powell. The prime minister's spokesperson said the UK had been offering full support behind the scenes for weeks and months, working with the US, Arab and European nations to build consensus. Bronwen Maddox of Chatham House said the UK's clear engagement mattered, and that recognising Palestinian statehood signalled its involvement.
Officials highlighted the roles of Powell and former PM Tony Blair, arguing their Northern Ireland peace process experience proved invaluable. They claimed influence on points 13 and 18 of the 20-point plan, dealing with demilitarisation and interfaith dialogue. However, some experts rejected this, noting the deal was based on one promoted by Joe Biden before Labour entered government. Maddox said it had little to do with the Good Friday agreement.
One area where Powell appears to have had influence is persuading all sides to enter negotiations without knowing the outcome, building trust and momentum. Starmer spent Monday talking to world leaders, emphasising the UK's readiness to lead in Gaza's reconstruction and help monitor Hamas weapons decommissioning. Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer is leading a summit on Gaza reconstruction, with the UK offering £20m in aid. Whether the UK will play a more direct role in any transition authority remains undecided.
