U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff looks on after speaking during a rally in support of hostages kidnapped by Hamas, at a plaza known as hostages square, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, ahead of the expected release of the hostages held in the Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)Donald Trump’s peace envoy has sparked confusion – and some mockery – after he praised the “vital role” the UK played in ending the war in Gaza.
Steve Witkoff’s surprise intervention put him at odds with the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee.
On Sunday, he said education secretary Bridget Phillipson was “delusional” for saying Britain had played a “key role” in bringing peace to the region.
“She can thank Donald Trump anytime just to set the record straight,” Huckabee said.
But in a dramatic U-turn in the US position on Monday morning, Witkoff posted 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.
“In particular, I want to recognize the incredible input and tireless efforts of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell.”
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.
— Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (@SEPeaceMissions) October 13, 2025
Social media users quickly spotted the fact that Witkoff’s view is the complete opposite of what Huckabee had said less than 24 hours before.
They suggested Witkoff had been leaned on to make supportive comments about the UK, given Keir Starmer’s ongoing political difficulties.
Some also pointed to the fact that Jonathan Powell is under intense scrutiny over his role in the collapse of the case of two men accused of spying on the UK for China.
Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, a key figure in Gaza peace deal negotiations, says UK played “vital role” in enabling this day.
It follows US ambo to Israel Mike Huckabee saying Bridget Phillipson was “delusional” for claiming UK played role behind the scenes. https://t.co/v10lxVO3eT
— Pippa Crerar (@PippaCrerar) October 13, 2025
“Please, Steve. Tell them you’ve met my girlfriend who goes to a different school.” https://t.co/bNsBt3ZJED
— Charlotte Henry 🎗️ (@charlotteahenry) October 13, 2025
The US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee is politely told by Steve Witkoff to shut up. Not necessary for Witkoff to make this point, but he has metaphorically crossed the road to do so, and is part of a wider disagreement between the 2 Americans about handling Israeli… https://t.co/X8VfgUNqHS
— Patrick Wintour (@patrickwintour) October 13, 2025
“Look im in deep shit. Please say we helped” pic.twitter.com/7Synd8R7kB
— Adam Sellers (@YisraelChaiAdam) October 13, 2025
Can you tweet something like https://t.co/n1T2FBAhwQ
— Patrick Maguire (@patrickkmaguire) October 13, 2025
Well this is embarrassing.
Obviously Whitehall made a call asking for a supportive statement like this, after Philipson beclowned herself on TV.
But nobody buys that the UK played a major role (other than mischief making), and Powell is on the edge of being fired under the huge…
— jjinUK64 (@JjinUk64) October 13, 2025
