Yvette Cooper addressed the United Nations, emphasizing that recognizing Palestinian statehood was crucial for safeguarding the path to peace. During her speech at the UN General Assembly, the foreign secretary highlighted the imminent threat to the two-state solution, warning that it could be on the brink of collapse.
She condemned the actions of extremists on all sides who aim to derail peace efforts but remained resolute in not allowing hope to fade. Cooper expressed sympathy for families enduring the distress of having their loved ones held captive by Hamas since the tragic events of October 7th.
In her address, she criticized Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for exacerbating the dire conditions in Gaza, attributing it to escalating conflicts and withholding essential aid. She drew attention to the dire situation where children were suffering from starvation while essential supplies were being blocked at borders.
Cooper emphasized the significance of recognizing Palestine as a step towards a better future, underscoring the need to uphold Palestinian rights that have long been neglected. She announced the UK’s decision to join over 150 other nations in acknowledging the state of Palestine, emphasizing the importance of securing the pathway to peace.
Earlier, global leaders and diplomats applauded President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France would also recognize Palestinian statehood. Macron stressed the urgency of resolving the conflict, calling for the release of hostages and cessation of hostilities to pave the way for peace negotiations.
He underscored the need to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution, envisioning Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully and securely. Macron pledged to establish a French embassy in Palestine once all Israeli hostages were freed and indicated that France and its European partners would link their support for Israel to efforts towards ending conflicts and advancing peace negotiations.
By following this path, Macron believed a sovereign and demilitarized Palestinian state, encompassing all its territories and mutually recognizing Israel, could be achieved.