Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retaliate following a move by Western nations, including the UK, to recognize Palestinian statehood. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, present at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, cautioned Israel against expanding settlements in the West Bank in response to this development. Cooper emphasized that the decision to acknowledge Palestine was intended to enhance security by sustaining the possibility of a two-state solution.
On Sunday, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal took a symbolic step by recognizing Palestine. Netanyahu, also in attendance at the UN, reacted angrily ahead of anticipated further recognitions at the General Assembly. He firmly stated his opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state and warned of a response upon returning from the United States.
Additionally, President Emmanuel Macron is set to confirm France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood during a high-level conference co-hosted with Saudi Arabia at the UN. Concerns have arisen that Israel may accelerate settlement activities in the West Bank in response, to which Cooper stressed the importance of refraining from such actions for the sake of regional security.
Cooper highlighted the UK’s objective at the UN General Assembly to garner international support for a peace framework in the Middle East post the Palestinian state recognition. She expressed determination to reinforce the international consensus on the path to peace in the region.
Moreover, Cooper will address global security threats at a Security Council meeting, with a focus expected on Russia’s recent airspace intrusions into NATO territories. The UK is committed to Ukraine’s security, with Cooper reaffirming this commitment alongside efforts to address ongoing global challenges such as conflict, migration, and climate change.
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