The UK performed a key function behind the scenes of the Gaza peace plan, however has no plans to place British troops on the bottom, a senior minister has stated.
Bridget Phillipson, the training secretary, instructed Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips that Sir Keir Starmer’s presence at a signing ceremony for the ceasefire deal in Egypt on Monday “demonstrates the key role that we have played”.
Politics newest: Phillipson publicizes crackdown on antisemitism at UK universities
She wouldn’t say precisely what the UK’s function within the ceasefire, largely attributed to Donald Trump, is or was.
However she added: “We’ve performed a key function behind the scenes in shaping this.
“It’s right that we do so because it’s in all of our interest, including our own national interest, that we move to a lasting peace in the region.
“These are complicated issues of diplomacy that we’re concerned in. However we do welcome and recognise the vital function that the American authorities performed in transferring us up to now.”
Extra on Bridget Phillipson
Quantity 10 stated on Saturday Sir Keir will attend the summit in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, the place the peace plan shall be signed. He can pay “particular tribute” to Mr Trump.
The US and Israel have stated the UK and different nations, corresponding to France, recognising Palestine as a state in September hampered peace efforts.
Nevertheless, Ms Phillipson stood by the choice, saying it was “the right thing to do”.
On whether or not the UK is ready to place British troops into the world as a part of a stabilisation drive after the ceasefire, she stated: “We have no plans to do that.”
The US army will assist set up a multinational drive in Israel, generally known as a civil-military coordination centre, which is prone to embody troops from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the UAE.
On Friday, US officers stated as much as 200 US troops already primarily based within the Center East shall be moved to Israel to assist monitor the ceasefire in Gaza.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
2:59
Closing preparations for hostages in Israeli hospital
The day earlier than, President Trump introduced Israel and Hamas had “signed off on the first phase” of a peace plan he unveiled final week.
Lots of of 1000’s of Palestinians have been strolling again to Gaza Metropolis, which is essentially destroyed, from southern Gaza for the reason that ceasefire got here into impact on Friday.
Assist vehicles have been gathering in Egypt to cross into Gaza after months of warnings by assist teams of famine in elements of the territory.
In Israel, the remaining hostages are attributable to be returned from Gaza by Hamas on Monday below the primary section of the peace plan. Twenty are believed to nonetheless be alive, 26 have been declared lifeless, whereas the destiny of two is unknown.
Picture:
Tens of 1000’s of Palestinians have walked again to Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Pic: AP
The ceasefire settlement has been made two years after Hamas stormed Israel on 7 October 2023, killing 1,200 individuals and taking 251 hostages.
Israel’s army offensive has killed greater than 67,000 Palestinians in Gaza, in response to the Hamas-run well being ministry, which the UN deems dependable.
