Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has warned Israel not to retaliate against the UK and its allies' recognition of Palestine by expanding settlements in the West Bank. Speaking on Sunday, Cooper emphasised that the decision, taken jointly with Canada, Australia, and Portugal, aims to bolster security and preserve the possibility of a two-state solution.
Cooper stated she had been clear with the Israeli foreign minister and government that they must not accelerate settlement activity. She told the BBC that the move is about protecting peace, justice, and security for the Middle East, and that the UK will continue to work with all regional parties.
The UK plans to use the UN General Assembly to build international support for a Middle East peace framework. Cooper will push for transitional governance and security measures to ensure Hamas has no role in Gaza's future governance, according to the Foreign Office.
While acknowledging that recognising Palestine will not immediately ease the Gaza humanitarian crisis or free hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, the UK argues it is essential to safeguard a lasting two-state solution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the move “absurd” and a “reward for terrorism,” while US President Donald Trump echoed that sentiment.
Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi hailed the recognition as a victory for “the justice of our cause.” In response, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned Hamas as a “brutal terror organisation” and announced plans to increase sanctions on the group. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy will represent the UK at the UN General Assembly alongside Cooper and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
