UK and US spy chiefs ‘working ceaselessly’ for Gaza ceasefire

The heads of MI6 and the CIA made a rare public statement on their joint work to bring peace to the Middle East, and counter threats elsewhere.

MI6 has largely been working in lockstep with the CIA on their approach to the situation in Gaza (PA) (PA Archive)

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 Sir 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 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 Mr 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 Sir 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.

The pair said staying the course in supporting Ukraine is “more vital than ever”, while also drawing attention to online disinformation spread by Russian actors.

“Beyond Ukraine, we continue to work together to disrupt the reckless campaign of sabotage across Europe being waged by Russian intelligence, and its cynical use of technology to spread lies and disinformation designed to drive wedges between us,” they said.