Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to US President Donald Trump for his “role in securing the landmark ceasefire and hostages deal in Gaza” during a call between the two leaders.
The conversation took place on Sunday, hours after Trump praised Sir Keir for having done a “very good job thus far” and said the pair have a “very good relationship”.
The incoming Trump administration worked in close co-ordination with that of his predecessor, Joe Biden, over the deal, which was agreed between Israel and Hamas earlier this month.
The president welcomed the release of the recently freed British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari, Downing Street said.
The 28-year-old was one of the first three hostages to be released by Hamas this week, after a ceasefire was agreed just days before Trump took office.
A Hamas official previously credited Trump with telling mediators he wanted an agreement before his inauguration. He had publicly warned of “hell to pay” if Hamas did not agree to release the hostages.
Downing Street also said Trump and Sir Keir “discussed the importance of working together for security in the Middle East”, and spoke about trade and the economy.
Trump begun the call by offering his condolences to Sir Keir about the death of his brother, Nick, who died on Boxing Day.
The president also expressed his “respect” for the UK Royal Family.
The pair have agreed to meet in person. Sir Keir wrote on X following the call: “I look forward to meeting soon to strengthen the close ties between our countries.”
