Story Highlight
– US envoy praises UK’s Powell for Gaza ceasefire efforts.
– Huckabee criticizes UK claims of key role in negotiations.
– Powell’s relationship with Witkoff strengthens through diplomatic efforts.
– Starmer attends peace summit with international leaders in Egypt.
– Israel and Hamas agree on ceasefire and prisoner exchanges.
Full Story
The United States Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has commended the contributions and relentless commitment of the UK’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, in facilitating a ceasefire in Gaza. In a recent social media update, Witkoff underscored the importance of the UK’s collaboration in the diplomatic efforts that culminated in the historic ceasefire agreement.
This positive acknowledgment stands in stark contrast to remarks made by Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador in Israel, who criticized a UK minister for claiming a significant role in the negotiation process, branding the assertion as “delusional.” Witkoff’s specific commendation for Powell serves to bolster the adviser amid growing scrutiny over his involvement in a failed espionage case against two individuals suspected of spying for China.
Sources within government circles have noted the strong rapport between Powell and Witkoff, highlighting that they communicate nearly every day. Their relationship has intensified through their shared work addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Powell actively assisting in the revitalization of US-Ukraine relations following a publicized dispute between President Trump and President Zelensky earlier this year. Additionally, Powell was in Egypt last week as final discussions regarding the ceasefire were underway.
Some government insiders anticipate that Powell’s experience negotiating the Good Friday Agreement will be sought in forthcoming discussions regarding disarmament and broader diplomatic efforts. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson remarked on Sky News that the UK’s clandestine role in shaping the Gaza peace initiative has been crucial, involving multifaceted diplomatic challenges. Huckabee responded to her comments on social media, dismissing her claims and suggested attributing credit to Donald Trump for the progress made.
Further criticism from Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Haskel, echoed Huckabee, contending that the UK’s recognition of Palestinian statehood has emboldened Hamas’s position. In response to Witkoff’s praise for Powell, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed concern about the government’s perceived need for external validation, highlighting a sense of tragedy regarding the current state of the UK’s international reputation.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer is in Egypt to attend international negotiations with US President Trump, along with representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, to formalize the peace plan. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is also expected to participate in the summit alongside global leaders from about 20 nations. The ceasefire, negotiated by Trump, commenced on Friday, resulting in the release of the final 20 Israeli hostages and setting in motion the handover of remains of up to 28 deceased hostages by Hamas. Israel has agreed to release 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees, while increased humanitarian aid is anticipated to flow into Gaza.
Jonathan Powell, appointed by Starmer in November as National Security Adviser, succeeded Sir Tim Barrow. This role is typically held by a civil servant but is currently occupied by Powell, a political appointee funded by taxpayers. Powell, who was pivotal in the 1998 Northern Ireland peace agreement as an advisor to then-Prime Minister Tony Blair, later founded Inter-mediate, an organization dedicated to conflict resolution, which has brokered peace agreements internationally.
Expert Bronwen Maddox, from the think tank Chatham House, outlined Powell’s contention that achieving lasting peace necessitates dialogue with adversaries, arguing that familiarity can mitigate violence. Reflecting on the negotiation process, Powell has remarked, “It’s much harder to kill people when you know them,” emphasizing the need for trust-building to escape cycles of conflict.
