The Foreign Secretary emphasized the crucial need for sustained attention on Gaza, rejecting the notion of it becoming a neglected zone teetering between peace and conflict. Yvette Cooper called for Israel and Hamas to uphold the current ceasefire amid recent tensions, including Israeli airstrikes resulting in over 100 deaths in Gaza. The UK official, on her inaugural Middle East visit, advocated for increased aid access to the war-torn Gaza strip.
Cooper urged global leaders to expedite the implementation of the peace plan, facilitated by Donald Trump and other nations like Qatar and Egypt. She stressed the importance of not abandoning the region at this critical juncture, emphasizing the urgency of lifting aid restrictions and facilitating humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
The UK committed £4 million to clear landmines in Gaza, essential to unblock the delivery of crucial support. Cooper highlighted the necessity for disarmament, governmental restructuring, and peacekeeping efforts to ensure sustainable security for both Israel and Palestine. She pressed for international media access to Gaza to showcase the extensive devastation and underscored the long-lasting impact of conflicts on children.
In a diplomatic move, the Foreign Secretary invited Palestine to establish formal relations with the United Kingdom, following the UK’s recent recognition of a Palestinian state. Cooper acknowledged the challenges ahead in achieving lasting peace, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to rebuild Gaza and provide a secure future for Palestinian children.
