Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has pledged to retaliate following a push by Western nations, including the UK, to acknowledge Palestinian statehood. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York, cautioned Israel against expanding settlements in the West Bank in response to this move. She emphasized that the recognition of Palestine aims to enhance security by upholding the possibility of a two-state solution.
The UK, along with Canada, Australia, and Portugal, has taken a symbolic step by recognizing Palestine on Sunday. In contrast, Netanyahu, also present at the UN, expressed strong opposition ahead of expected further recognitions at the General Assembly. He affirmed that a Palestinian state would not be established and warned of consequences upon his return from the US.
President Emmanuel Macron is set to confirm France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood at a high-level conference co-hosted with Saudi Arabia at the UN. Amid concerns that Israel may accelerate settlement activities in the West Bank, Ms. Cooper stressed the importance of refraining from such actions to maintain security and peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
The UK will leverage the UN General Assembly to advocate for international support for a peace framework in the Middle East following its acknowledgment of a Palestinian state. Ms. Cooper aims to strengthen the international consensus on the path to peace in the region. Additionally, she will participate in a Security Council meeting focusing on global security threats, particularly Russia’s recent airspace violations over NATO allies.
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Ms. Cooper will also reaffirm the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s security during the General Assembly. She highlighted the importance of proactive diplomacy and international cooperation in addressing various global challenges, including conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, migration issues, and climate change.
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