US envoy calls UK minister ‘delusional’ for Gaza ceasefire ‘key role’ claim

The US ambassador to Israel has called UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson “delusional” for claiming the UK played a “key role” in securing the ceasefire in Gaza.

The minister earlier on Sunday defended Britain’s contribution to peace efforts “behind the scenes” while acknowledging the “critical” work had been carried out by the White House.

Mike Huckabee, who was part of US President Donald Trump’s negotiating team for the peace deal, appeared to mock Phillipson’s assertion in a post on social media.

“I assure you she’s delusional. She can thank Donald Trump any time just to set the record straight,” he said in the post.

UK government sources did not comment directly on Huckabee’s remarks but pointed to the fact that Phillipson had also highlighted America’s leading role in securing a deal during the broadcast round.

A public disagreement involving two key figures in the UK and US administrations could prove awkward for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he prepares to join world leaders at a summit on Gaza co-chaired by Trump on Monday.