Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to retaliate following a move by Western nations, including the UK, to recognize Palestinian statehood. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, currently in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, cautioned Israel against expanding settlements in the West Bank in reaction to this development.
The UK, along with Canada, Australia, and Portugal, has taken a symbolic step by acknowledging Palestine. In response to these actions, Netanyahu expressed strong opposition, stating that a Palestinian state will not be established. He emphasized that any attempt to establish a “terror state” within their territory would be met with a response upon his return from the United States.
President Emmanuel Macron is anticipated to announce France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood during a high-level conference at the UN. Concerns have been raised about Israel accelerating settlement activities in the West Bank, a region crucial for a potential Palestinian state. Cooper reiterated the UK’s stance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
During the UN General Assembly, the UK will advocate for international endorsement of a peace framework in the Middle East. Cooper aims to reinforce the international consensus on the path to peace in the region. Additionally, she will address global security threats, with a particular focus on Russia’s recent airspace violations.
As international diplomatic efforts intensify, the Mirror has introduced a US Politics WhatsApp community to provide the latest updates from across the Atlantic. The community offers exclusive news directly to members’ phones. To join, users simply need to click on the provided link and select ‘Join Chat’.
In another context, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend the UN General Assembly, where Cooper will reaffirm the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s security. Cooper stressed the importance of proactive global partnerships to address various challenges, such as conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, migration issues, and the impact of climate change worldwide.
Cooper highlighted the critical role of UK diplomacy and leadership in promoting peace and security globally. Through active engagement at the UN, the UK aims to contribute to security, prosperity, and addressing pressing global issues.
To stay updated with the latest political developments, readers can follow the Mirror Politics account on Bluesky and join the Politics WhatsApp group for breaking news and exclusive offers. Additionally, they can subscribe to the Mirror’s Politics newsletter for curated content delivered directly to their inbox.