Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has urged Israel to refrain from retaliating against the UK's recent recognition of Palestinian statehood, warning against the annexation of parts of the West Bank. This call comes as she prepares to participate in a UN conference in New York, where France and other European nations are expected to announce similar recognitions.
This decision marks a profound shift in the UK's diplomatic stance, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer aligned with countries like Canada, Australia, and Portugal to acknowledge Palestinian statehood.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized this recognition, claiming it rewards terrorism, while Cooper reiterated the UK’s commitment to maintaining security for both nations.
Cooper stated, “The easy thing to do would be to just walk away and say it’s all too hard. We just think that is wrong when we've seen such devastation.” She identified the act of recognizing Palestinian rights as integral to fostering peace in the region, stressing the moral obligation to pursue a two-state solution.
During her address, Cooper expressed concerns over extremist elements on both sides that threaten the viability of the two-state framework, insisting the UK remains committed to enhancing peace initiatives. This declaration adds another layer to the ongoing discourse on international recognition of Palestinian statehood amid continuing conflict and humanitarian crises in the region.
