Sir Keir Starmer has met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Egypt ahead of the historic peace summit, despite a top US diplomat describing Labour as “delusional”.
The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, swiped at Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson after she claimed that the UK played a “key role” in securing the ceasefire in Gaza.
He wrote on social media: “I assure you she’s delusional. She can thank Donald Trump any time just to set the record straight.”
Over 20 world leaders will discuss the next steps under Donald Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at securing a lasting peace after two years of devastating war in Gaza.
The Trump administration mediated the agreement, alongside Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, with the next phase calling for an international body, a “Board of Peace” led by the 47th President.
This includes President of the Palestinian National Authority Mahmoud Abbas, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not be in attendance.
Sir Keir said: “I reiterate my thanks for the tireless diplomatic efforts of the United States, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey.
“It is now crucial that we work together to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, and that will be my focus in Egypt today.
Sir Keir pictured with Mr Macron as the pair arrive in Egypt ahead of the Gaza summit
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PA
“Commitment to this plan from all parties will be essential to ending the war and building the foundations for a sustainable path to a long-term peace. The UK will support the crucial next stage of talks to ensure the implementation of the peace plan.”
Sir Keir pledged £20million in a humanitarian aid package during his visit to Egypt, part of a broader £116million aid commitment to support the Palestinian people.
Currently in attendance at the meeting are the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Qatar, and Turkey on the fringes of the Gaza summit.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also gathered alongside Sir Keir and Mr Macron for the talks.
The Emir of Qatar and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have also joined.
The leaders are waiting for Donald Trump to arrive, who left Israel behind schedule.
Speaker of Israel’s Parliament, Amir Ohana, revealed today that the country will “rally Prime Ministers and world leaders” to nominate Mr Trump for the next Nobel Peace Prize.
Mr Ohana said: “You, more than any other individual, are deserving of the highest recognition for your efforts in promoting peace.
Praise rained down on Mr Trump, with calls for him to receive the Nobel Peace Prize
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GETTY“Therefore, I hereby announce that together with our good friend, speaker of the House Mike Johnson, we will rally speakers and presidents of parliaments from around the world to submit your candidacy for the Nobel Prize Peace Prize next year.
“There is no one more deserving than you, President Trump.”
Mr Trump was told he is a “giant of Jewish history”, while Sir Keir’s contribution has been compared to “a fart in a gale”.
When asked if Sir Keir deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson told The Telegraph: “Starmer, the great human bollard? It’s totally ludicrous. What has the UK contributed to this? As far as I can see, sadly, not a lot.”