Egypt (Parliament Politics Magazine) – British PM Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the release of all Israeli hostages by Hamas, urging prompt action on US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan.
As reported by The Independent, Sir Keir Starmer expressed shared “deep relief” with families after militant group Hamas released Israeli hostages.
What did Sir Keir Starmer say about Gaza peace and aid?
At the Egypt Gaza summit, Keir Starmer outlined steps to implement President Trump’s peace plan, saying,
“Now we must deliver lasting peace and a secure future for the whole region. The United Kingdom is providing additional humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, and we will lead efforts to accelerate its reconstruction.”
Amid the release of 20 hostages from Gaza, Mr Starmer posted on X,
“Today is the first, crucial phase in ending the war in the Middle East. Now we must deliver lasting peace and a secure future for the whole region.”
He added,
“The UK is providing additional humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza and will lead efforts to accelerate its reconstruction.”
Today is the first, crucial phase in ending the war in the Middle East.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 13, 2025
Now we must deliver lasting peace and a secure future for the whole region.
The UK is providing additional humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, and we will lead efforts to accelerate its reconstruction.
In Sharm el-Sheik, the Prime Minister joined US, Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish leaders to finalize the Gaza peace deal.
Mr Starmer said,
“I share the deep feeling of relief as Avinatan Or and other hostages are released today. But this is also a stark reminder of the treatment that he has been subject to at the hands of Hamas, and the atrocities that shook the world two years ago.”
He stated,
“Having met his family, I know that no one can truly understand the torture and agony they suffered for two drawn out years and my thoughts are with them. My thoughts are also with the family of Yossi Sharabi, who are still waiting for news.”
The prime minister 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.”
He added,
“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.”
Gaza released Israeli hostages
As part of the first phase of the Gaza peace plan, Hamas has let go of all surviving hostages. This is an important step toward ending the two-year war. After more than two years in captivity, all remaining hostages are now free.
The initial group of seven, Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dallal, have been reunited with their families and taken to the hospital for care. The remaining 13 hostages are now with the Red Cross and are set to leave Gaza.
Arab media reports that the remains of some hostages will be handed over to the Red Cross. Of 28 bodies believed held, Israel has confirmed 26 deaths, with concerns remaining for hostages Tamir Nimrodi and Nepali national Bipin Joshi.
What did Steve Witkoff say about the UK and the Gaza peace process?
Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s envoy, said Britain played a “vital” role in the peace process, commending National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell.
He said,
“I would like to acknowledge the vital role of the United Kingdom in assisting and coordinating efforts that have led us to this historic day in Israel.”
Mr Witkoff added,
“In particular, I want to recognize the incredible input and tireless efforts of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell.”
What did Kemi Badenoch say about Steve Witkoff and Jonathan Powell?
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch suggested she was unconvinced by the US official’s remarks.
During a visit to Grantham, Lincolnshire, Ms Badenoch said,
“I was not born yesterday. I think it is actually very sad that the Government is having to beg people to send tweets to say something nice about Jonathan Powell.”
Benjamin Netanyahu’s views on Donald Trump’s support for Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Donald Trump for backing Israel throughout the two-year war.
He lauded Mr Trump for recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, affirming Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, confronting UN falsehoods, and supporting strikes on Iran.
Mr Netanyahu said,
“My friends this is only a partial list, but it’s enough to affirm what I’ve said time and again: Donald Trump is the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.”
He added,
“No American president has ever done more for Israel, and as I said in Washington, it ain’t even close. It’s really not a match.”
Donald Trump’s views on the Israel-Hamas deal
The US president, who mediated the Israel-Hamas deal, said that after years of conflict, the skies are calm and the sirens are silent.
He stated, “This is not only the end of a war, this is the end of an age of terror and death and the beginning of the age of faith and hope, and of God.”
Mr Trump added, “It’s the start of a grand concord and lasting harmony for Israel and all the nations of what will soon be a truly magnificent region.”
Britain’s plan to help Gaza after the ceasefire
Sir Keir Starmer plans to announce £20 million in aid for Gaza as the UK prepares to host a three-day conference on its recovery.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the truce provides a chance to boost humanitarian aid and focus on Gaza’s future.
Under the 20-point Gaza peace plan, Israel is set to maintain a long-term military presence along the Gaza border.
Security in Gaza would be handled by an international force, primarily made up of Arab and Muslim troops.
Reports suggest the UK will not send forces as part of the multinational team monitoring the truce.
