UK Foreign Secretary signals Potential for Gaza Peace Process
LONDON - UK foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has indicated the international community may be approaching a critical juncture in efforts to establish a peace process for Gaza, amid escalating conflict and a worsening humanitarian crisis.Cooper stated the Israeli government “urgently needs to change course,” asserting that a military solution in Gaza will not enhance Israeli security.
Cooper highlighted her recent diplomatic engagements, noting that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was the last world leader she met in her previous role as shadow foreign secretary in 2011, and the first after becoming UK foreign secretary earlier this month. She has yet to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite being in New York during his address to the United Nations.
“There is no military solution to this that works, there is no way that the security of Israel is remotely strengthened by this further Gaza City offensive,” Cooper said. “For security for Israelis,as well as security for Palestinians and as well as dealing with this devastating humanitarian crisis,I think the Israeli government urgently needs to change course.”
The UK Foreign Office regularly assesses the risk of genocide in Gaza, but stated earlier this month it had not concluded that genocide is currently being committed. Cooper emphasized the human cost of the conflict, stating, “Every time we talk about weather it’s humanitarian crisis or whatever words that we use actually feel hollow, becuase what it’s really about is the screams and pain of a toddler, and that’s what’s really at the heart of this, and that’s what has to end.The war has to be brought to an end.”
She acknowledged a widespread feeling of helplessness, adding, “The challenge for us now is that there is a moment, and we have to make sure that that moment, through international action, is turned into a peace process.”
Turning to separate geopolitical concerns,Cooper accused russian President vladimir putin of ”intentional provocation” and attempts to destabilize Europe through recent military flights over Poland and Scandinavian countries. She also urged the United states to strengthen sanctions on Russian oil and gas, building on comments made by former President Donald Trump regarding potential sanctions contingent on NATO allies meeting specific conditions. “There has to be a much more concerted effort,” she added.
