Yvette Cooper addressed the United Nations, emphasizing that recognizing Palestinian statehood aims to safeguard the path to peace. During her speech at the UN General Assembly, the foreign secretary expressed concerns about the imminent threat to the two-state solution, warning that it could collapse. She highlighted the destructive desires of extremists from all factions but asserted their collective commitment to sustaining hope.
Cooper also recognized the immense suffering of families with members still held captive by Hamas following the tragic events of October 7th. While acknowledging the distressing situation, she criticized Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for exacerbating the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza by escalating conflicts and obstructing aid distribution, resulting in food shortages and settlement expansions that jeopardize the feasibility of a Palestinian state.
Highlighting historical context, Cooper noted that Britain had previously acknowledged Israel’s statehood 75 years ago but had not fulfilled its promise to uphold Palestinian rights. She announced a shift in policy, aligning with over 150 member states in recognizing the state of Palestine as a step towards securing peace and stability in the region.
In a separate development, world leaders and diplomats applauded President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France would also acknowledge Palestinian statehood. Macron stressed the urgency of ending hostilities, freeing hostages, and promoting peaceful negotiations for a lasting solution. He committed to establishing a French embassy in Palestine upon the release of all Israeli captives held by Hamas and proposed linking support for Israel with measures taken to cease conflicts and advance peace talks.
Macron emphasized the necessity of preserving the prospect of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully. France’s decision to recognize Palestine is aligned with its historical dedication to fostering peace between the two nations. Macron envisioned a sovereign and demilitarized Palestinian state encompassing all territories, with mutual recognition between Israel and Palestine as a key objective.
Additionally, Macron’s strategy involves monitoring Israel’s actions to ensure progress towards ending conflicts and achieving a negotiated peace agreement. The Mirror has introduced a US Politics WhatsApp community for readers interested in staying informed about the latest developments in American politics, providing real-time updates directly to their phones. Users can join the community by following a specified link and opting to receive exclusive news and offers from the Reach group.