Israel has rejected a Cabinet minister’s claim that the UK played a “key role” in securing the Gaza ceasefire. Benjamin Netanyahu’s deputy foreign minister Sharren Haskel said she would “have to contradict” Bridget Phillipson’s assertion that Britain had been a leading player “behind the scenes”.
Earlier today, the Education Secretary defended the UK’s efforts towards ending the war in Gaza where a fragile truce is holding following an agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump. She told Sky News’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: “We have played a key role behind the scenes in shaping this.”
Asked what this contribution involved, Ms Phillipson added: “These are complex matters of diplomacy that we are involved in but we do welcome and recognise the critical role that the American government played in getting us to this point.”
But this afternoon, Ms Haskel criticised the Labour’s decision to recognise Palestinian statehood and accused Britain of diminishing the prospect of peace by emboldening Hamas.
She told Sky News: “The Government of the UK, Macron’s plan, the whole conversation about declaring a Palestinian state – we disagree with you.”
Asked about Ms Phillipson’s characterisation of the UK’s efforts, the minister said: “Well, I have to contradict her words, unfortunately.
“Unfortunately, with the declaration of the Palestinian state during a very sensitive time two months ago when the teams were already around the table negotiating, when we truly believe we are able to reach a deal; the message that the UK Government sent Hamas was the message that: the longer they continue this war, they will be rewarded.”
The UK joined countries including France, Australia and Canada last month in confirming recognition of Palestinian statehood in a historic if largely symbolic move leaders said was intended to safeguard the prospect of a two-state solution.
It comes as Sir Keir Starmer prepares to join other world leaders at a peace summit on the Middle East.
