In a powerful and historic address to the United Nations General Assembly, Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper branded Hamas a "pro-rape" terrorist organisation, delivering the UK's strongest condemnation yet of the group's systematic sexual violence during the October 7th attacks on Israel.
The senior Labour MP accused the international community of "looking away" from overwhelming evidence of Hamas's atrocities, stating that such silence only serves to "fuel the terrorists and their apologists." Her speech marked a significant moment in UK foreign policy discourse, aligning closely with the stance of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
A Call for Global Action and Justice
Cooper's address went beyond mere condemnation, issuing a direct challenge to global institutions. She demanded that the UN and other international bodies take concrete action to hold perpetrators accountable.
Key demands from her speech included:
- Immediate and unrestricted access for UN investigators to Israel to gather evidence of sexual crimes.
- A full and transparent report from the UN on the findings of its investigation into sexual violence.
- Global cooperation to ensure justice for the victims and survivors.
She emphasised that recognising and investigating these crimes is not a political act, but a fundamental matter of human rights and justice.
Addressing the Aftermath and Domestic Politics
Cooper also tackled the controversial and often toxic domestic debate surrounding the conflict. She expressed deep concern over the rise of both antisemitism and Islamophobia in the UK, directly linking the inflammatory rhetoric around the Israel-Hamas war to increased community tensions.
Her speech served to firmly solidify the Labour Party's position on the conflict, showcasing a united front with Sir Keir Starmer. This alignment is seen as crucial for the party's credibility on the international stage as it positions itself for potential governance.
By speaking at the UN, Cooper elevated the UK's voice in a critical global forum, arguing that the fight against terrorism and sexual violence is a universal responsibility that transcends national borders.
