The United Kingdom claims to have played a 'vital role' in brokering the Gaza ceasefire, with UK officials, including Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, asserting the UK's behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts. Phillipson emphasized the complex nature of diplomacy and acknowledged US President Donald Trump's role in reaching the truce. However, Israeli officials, including Netanyahu’s deputy foreign minister Sharren Haskel, have publicly rejected the UK's claim, with Haskel stating she must contradict the assertion that Britain was a key player behind the scenes and criticizing the UK's recognition of Palestinian statehood, which she argues emboldens Hamas and diminishes peace prospects. The UK’s recognition of Palestinian statehood, along with France, Australia, and Canada, was largely symbolic, aimed at supporting a two-state solution. Meanwhile, Israel firmly denies that the UK played a significant role in securing the ceasefire, with Israeli officials criticizing the UK's decision and questioning its influence. The US-led peace plan involves an open-ended Israeli military presence in Gaza, with an international force responsible for security, but the UK has stated it will not send troops to join this force. The ceasefire agreement includes the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, while the US has deployed around 200 troops to Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid and security. The conflict was triggered when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in over 1,200 deaths in Israel and more than 67,000 Palestinian casualties in Gaza, according to Hamas-run authorities.