Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has touched down in Egypt to attend a major international summit on the Gaza peace deal, but his involvement is already under fire back at home. Arriving at Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport late Sunday evening, Starmer is set to join over 20 world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, in what Downing Street has described as a “historic signing ceremony” marking the start of a ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire which took effect on Friday, marks the first phase of a US-brokered deal between Israel and Hamas.
Under the terms of the 20-point plan, Hamas must release all surviving Israeli hostages and the remains of those who have died by Monday noon, and Israel is expected to free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The deal states that humanitarian aid should increase in Gaza, bringing desperately needed relief to its population. Despite this significant diplomatic milestone, Starmer’s presence has drawn criticism.
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), one person wrote: “Starmer is off on his travels yet again, the man is never in this country.”
Another person, seemingly referring to the UK Government’s decision to recognise the Palestinian state, said: “Keir Starmer will travel to Egypt on Monday to finalise the Israel/Gaza peace plan. Why? This coward rewarded Hamas terrorists with a statehood which almost jeopardised everything. He should be nowhere near it. Perhaps he could stay in the UK for more than a couple of days.”
Someone else added: “Indeed, there’s plenty for him to sort out in our own country!!”
The number of official visit abroad made by Starmer since he moved into No10 has come under fire multiple time over the past months. The Prime Minister has visited France, the US and Germany several times since July last year, and has carried out visits also to countries including Italy, India, Estonia and Ireland.
Ahead of the summit, Starmer is expected to thank Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for “bringing us to this point,” as well as Donald Trump for his central role in brokering the ceasefire. He will also call for continued international coordination to secure “swift progress towards phase two” of the truce, highlighting the ongoing nature of the peace process.
On Sunday, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: “We have played a key role behind the scenes in shaping this.”
She also said on BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: “We do have a role, but of course the role of the US has been critical in this – we can all recognise that.”
Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel said that Phillipson’s comments were “delusional.”
He also wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “She can thank [Trump] anytime just to set the record straight.”
