Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper says she has warned Israel not to annex parts of the West Bank in retaliation for the UK's recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Cooper was speaking to the BBC before attending a conference at the UN in New York, where France and other European states are expected to make similar announcements.
In a significant policy change, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declared the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state, along with Canada, Australia, and Portugal.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decried these actions as a “huge reward to terrorism.”
Cooper expressed concern that Israel might view the recognition as a justification for annexation, reiterating to her Israeli counterpart that such actions must not occur. She stated, This decision... is about the best way to respect the security for Israel as well as the security for Palestinians. She also highlighted the need to revitalize efforts for a two-state solution amid challenges posed by extremists on both sides.
Following the announcement, Netanyahu firmly asserted that Palestinian statehood “will not happen,” as tensions escalate in the context of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict that erupted with Hamas' attacks in October 2023.
Cooper emphasized the moral obligation to support both Israeli and Palestinian aspirations for peace and security, advocating for an international consensus to reinvigorate the peace process. The UK's commitment is underscored amid widespread international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, including reports of high civilian casualties and humanitarian crises.
As the world focuses on the potential for a renewed two-state initiative, the dynamics surrounding recognition and territorial claims remain complex, with significant implications for future Middle Eastern geopolitics.
