Witkoff praises 'vital' UK role in Gaza ceasefire after US ambassador dismisses contribution

The Trump administration's Middle East envoy has praised the "vital role" Britain played in Gaza ceasefire talks after the US ambassador to Israel attacked the UK's education secretary as "delusional".

British Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said on Sunday that the UK was involved in ceasefire talks, saying: "We've played a key role behind the scenes in shaping this."

Asked what Britain's contributions involved, Phillipson said: "These are complex matters of diplomacy that we are involved in but we do welcome and recognise the critical role that the American government played in getting us to this point."

Mike Huckabee, US ambassador to Israel, hit back on social media platform X, saying: "I assure you she's delusional. She can thank @realDonaldTrump anytime just to set the record straight."

But on Monday morning, Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff publicly contradicted Hucakbee, saying on X: "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."

Huckabee nevertheless added: "In particular, I want to recognize the incredible input and tireless efforts of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell."

Powell was former Prime Minister Tony Blair's chief of staff between 1997 and 2007 and was appointed national security adviser by the Starmer government in 2024. 

He is currently embroiled in a scandal after prosecution was dropped against two British men accused of spying for China, reportedly because the government was unwilling to say China posed a threat to UK national security. 

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Phillipson came under further attack for claiming the UK played a vital role in ceasefire talks from Israel's deputy foreign minister, Sharren Haskel.

Haskel, who is visiting Britain, said she would "have to contradict" Phillipson and blasted the Labour government for recognising a Palestinian state along with France, Australia and Canada last month.

She said: "With the declaration of the Palestinian state during a very sensitive time two months ago when the teams were already around the table negotiating, when we truly believe we are able to reach a deal; the message that the UK Government sent Hamas was the message that: The longer they continue this war, they will be rewarded."

The spat between Haskel, Huckabee, Phillipson and Witkoff comes while Starmer is in Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt for the "signing ceremony" of Trump's Gaza plan. 

I assure you she’s delusional. She can thank @realDonaldTrump anytime just to set the record straight. https://t.co/HmTYg7d5MA

— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) October 12, 2025

In September, Trump publicly condemned the UK's decision to recognise a Palestinian state, and diplomatic relations between Britain and Israel have steadily deteriorated over the past year. 

London's Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) recently banned Israeli students due to the war on Gaza.

Last month, the government even banned Israeli officials from Britain's largest arms trade show.

More quietly, however, military cooperation has continued. The government has exempted licences for UK parts for F-35 fighter jets, which are used in Gaza, from an arms embargo on Israel.

Surveillance flights over Gaza, from which Britain's Ministry of Defence gives intelligence to Israel, also continued throughout the genocide.

The Ministry of Defence has insisted the flights were to aid in rescuing Israeli captives, but they are shrouded in secrecy and it is unclear whether data provided was used in Israeli air strikes that have killed civilians.