Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to retaliate following a move by Western nations, including the UK, to acknowledge Palestinian statehood. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, currently in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, cautioned Israel against expanding settlements in the West Bank as a response to this development.
Cooper emphasized that the decision to recognize Palestine is aimed at enhancing security by preserving the possibility of a two-state solution. The UK, along with Canada, Australia, and Portugal, took the symbolic step of acknowledging Palestine on Sunday.
Netanyahu, also present at the UN, expressed strong opposition ahead of further expected recognitions at the General Assembly. He firmly stated that a Palestinian state would not be established and hinted at a forthcoming response upon his return from the US.
Amid concerns that Israel might accelerate settlement activities in the West Bank, a region crucial to a potential Palestinian state, Cooper reiterated the UK’s stance against such actions. She stressed the importance of the decision in ensuring security for both Israel and Palestinians, as well as promoting peace and justice in the Middle East.
The UK plans to advocate for international support towards a peace framework in the Middle East during the UN General Assembly, following its recognition of a Palestinian state. Cooper aims to reinforce the international consensus on the peace process in the region.
Furthermore, Cooper is set to attend a Security Council meeting focusing on global security threats, particularly Russia’s recent airspace violations over NATO allies. The UK also stands committed to Ukraine’s security, with Cooper reaffirming this commitment during the upcoming General Assembly sessions.
In a time of heightened global instability, Cooper highlighted the importance of UK diplomacy in addressing various challenges worldwide. She underscored the significance of proactive global engagement in achieving security and prosperity domestically, emphasizing the interconnectedness of international actions and their impact on national priorities.
