Cliff Notes – All 20 living Israeli prisoners freed by Hamas
- The UK’s government claims a significant behind-the-scenes role in the Gaza peace deal, despite pushback from US officials, including Mike Huckabee.
- Steve Witkoff acknowledged the UK’s National Security Advisor, Jonathan Powell, as instrumental in coordinating efforts for the peace agreement, indicating strong relationships between key players.
- The collaboration of traditional diplomats, like Tony Blair and Jonathan Powell, with deal-making businessmen like Witkoff and Kushner, has been pivotal in advancing the negotiations.
Gaza latest: Trump to address Knesset after arriving in Israel
Analysis: What sources say about UK’s real role in Gaza peace plan – and why Witkoff set record straight
There has been considerable focus on the role played by the UK government in bringing about this peace deal.
Yesterday, UK government minister Bridget Philipson said that the UK “played a key role behind the scenes in shaping this”.
The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, then quoted her, writing: “I assure you she is delusional. She can thank Donald Trump anytime just to set the record straight.”
This morning, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff contradicted Huckabee’s words.
On X, he posted:
“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 recognise the incredible input and tireless efforts of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell.”
What we know from conversations with sources
Steve Witkoff and Jonathan Powell are close.
Witkoff is said to value Powell’s judgement on conflict resolution. Powell, remember, played a central role (along with Tony Blair and the Americans) in the Northern Ireland Good Friday Agreement.
I am told that Witkoff and Jared Kushner (Trump’s son-in-law and key envoy in this process) also value Powell and Blair’s connections in the Middle East, which have proved very useful over the past few months.
One source has told me that Witkoff singled out Powell as a valuable ‘counsel’ to him in conversations at Trump’s recent state visit to the UK.
Tony Blair’s involvement in the peace process and the ‘day after’ plans is in a private capacity. He is not working for the UK government.
However, he and Powell are close – they go back decades. Blair and Witkoff are also close.
And so it’s clear that relationships, connections, and expertise have all come together to help get this deal over the line.
Blair and Powell are establishment figures and traditional diplomats.
Witkoff and Kushner are deal-making businessmen.
The unlikely combination has been hugely important.
Watch below: Earlier, the UK’s Middle East Minister played down the ‘he said, she said’ Huckabee-Phillipson disagreement – here he reacts to today’s hostage release.