PA Media/dpa
London
British and American spy chiefs have said they are together "working ceaselessly” for a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, in a rare public statement.
MI6 chief Richard Moore and CIA director Bill Burns said the two agencies have "exploited our intelligence channels to push hard for restraint and de-escalation” in the Middle East.
In a joint article penned for the London-based Financial Times, the spymasters wrote: "Our services are working ceaselessly to achieve a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, which could end the suffering and appalling loss of life of Palestinian civilians and bring home the hostages after 11 months of hellish confinement by Hamas.” The pair said Burns in particular had played a "hands-on role” in negotiations in Egypt, bringing together opposing parties to broker a hostage and ceasefire deal in August.
The UK and US have largely acted in lockstep with their approach to the conflict in Gaza, but this week British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government diverted from this approach, announcing it would suspend some arms export licences to Israel.
Reports soon followed of US officials privately warning the British government against the move, though UK ministers have publicly insisted it has not affected the relationship.
In a show of unity following the action, the two spy chiefs also touched upon other threats they work together to face down. "Today, we co-operate in a contested international system where our two countries face an unprecedented array of threats,” they wrote.
Among the threats they listed was the rise of China, describing it as "the principal intelligence and geopolitical challenge of the 21st century,” while also taking aim at "an assertive Russia” and its actions in Ukraine and elsewhere.
Meanwhile, thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have once again marched through central London in protest at the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Campaigners set off from Piccadilly Circus shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday, with the march passing alongside Hyde Park before ending on Kensington Road. Protesters held signs that read "Starmer has blood on his hands” and "Stop the war coalition”.
The march was briefly halted when at least two counter-protesters, blocked its progress outside the Park Lane Hotel near Green Park. Two men were then detained by police after a significant struggle. The protest is the 18th organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign since the conflict began last October.