UK Plays Key Role in Securing Gaza Ceasefire: US Envoy Praises UK Assistance

Strategic Insights -

UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell's "incredible input" was acknowledged by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff as the country's efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza came to fruition. The summit, co-hosted by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, aimed to solidify the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which had been in place since Friday. The UK's role in coordinating and assisting the efforts was seen as crucial in reaching this milestone.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK played a vital role in securing the Gaza ceasefire, with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff praising the "incredible input" of National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell.
  • The ceasefire agreement was brokered by US President Donald Trump, with the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey signing off on the deal.
  • The release of the first seven hostages held by Hamas marked the beginning of the first phase of the agreement, with the remaining hostages expected to be released by Monday morning.
  • The UK is set to host a three-day conference on Gaza's recovery and reconstruction, with a £20 million humanitarian aid package announced.
  • The 20-point plan set out by the US president calls for Israel to maintain an open-ended military presence inside Gaza along its border with Israel.
  • An international force, comprised largely of troops from Arab and Muslim countries, would be responsible for security inside the enclave.
  • There are no plans to send British troops to be part of the multinational force that will monitor the truce.

Statistics:

  • 7: The number of hostages released by Hamas as part of the ceasefire agreement.
  • 20: The number of points in the US president's 20-point plan for ending the conflict.
  • 50%: The amount of Gaza controlled by Israel after pulling back to agreed-upon lines.
  • £20m: The amount of humanitarian aid package announced by the UK for Gaza's recovery and reconstruction.

Sources:

  • [1] Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (@SEPeaceMissions), October 13, 2025: "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. In particular, I want to recognize the incredible input and tireless efforts of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell."
  • [2] Reuters, October 13, 2025: "US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, called Bridget Phillipson's comments 'delusional', while Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's deputy foreign minister, Sharren Haskel, rejected her characterization of the UK's role."
  • [3] ICRC in Israel & OT (@ICRC_ilot), October 13, 2025: "We have started a multi-phase operation to facilitate the release and transfer of hostages and detainees as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas."