Nearly a month after the United Kingdom recognized the State of Palestine, controversy arose over the UK’s role in Middle East peace talks, after both Israel and its ambassador to the United States rejected a government minister’s claim that Britain played a “key behind-the-scenes role” in securing the Gaza ceasefire.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson defended Britain’s diplomatic efforts to end the Gaza conflict, where a fragile truce remains after an agreement brokered by former US President Donald Trump, but her claims were dismissed as “illusory.”

Phillipson told Sky News’ “Sunday Morning” with Trevor Phillips: “We played a key behind-the-scenes role in shaping this.”

When asked to clarify Britain’s contribution, she added: “These are complex diplomatic matters we are involved in, but we welcome and appreciate the crucial role the US government played in bringing us to this point.”

Later that day, as Sir Keir Starmer prepared to join other world leaders at the Middle East peace summit, Israel strongly rejected these comments.

Sharren Haskel, Deputy Foreign Minister under Benjamin Netanyahu, said she “must refute” the idea that Britain was a major “behind-the-scenes” player and criticized the UK’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine.

She told Sky News: “The UK government, Macron’s plan, and the whole talk about declaring the Palestinian state – we disagree with you.”

When asked about Phillipson’s description of the UK’s efforts, the minister said: “Well, I must refute her words, unfortunately. With the declaration of the Palestinian state at a very sensitive time two months ago, when the teams were already at the negotiation table, and at a time when we truly believed we could reach an agreement, the message the UK government sent to Hamas was… the longer this war lasts, the more they will be rewarded.”

Last month, the UK joined countries like France, Australia, and Canada in confirming recognition of the State of Palestine, a historic step leaders said aimed to protect the possibility of a two-state solution.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, part of the president’s peace negotiation team, attacked Phillipson, saying she “lives in a fantasy,” adding she can “thank Donald Trump anytime.”

Asked about the dispute, UK Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Hamish Falconer said he would not “engage in repeated arguments” but pointed to Steve Witkoff’s defense of Britain’s role in the talks.

The US special envoy, posting on X on Monday, said: “I want to commend the vital role of the UK in helping and coordinating efforts that brought us to this day in Israel. I especially want to praise the wonderful contribution and tireless efforts of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell.”

When asked about the dispute, Falconer told Sky News: “I have been very clear about the very important role I believe President Trump and his team, including special envoy Witkoff, played in these negotiations.”

He added: “I see that special envoy Witkoff has pointed to the vital role of the UK in this matter, which is a generous and welcome statement. I do not think this contradicts at all what the Education Secretary said yesterday, so I will not engage in a debate on this issue.”