The Foreign Secretary emphasized the importance of not abandoning Gaza as a region caught between peace and conflict. Yvette Cooper urged Israel and Hamas to uphold the current ceasefire amid recent clashes. Israeli airstrikes reportedly resulted in over 100 casualties in Gaza this week, with tensions escalating over the exchange of deceased Israeli hostages.

During her inaugural Middle East visit as Foreign Secretary, Ms. Cooper pressed Israel to permit increased aid flow into the war-torn Gaza strip. She stressed the urgency for global leaders to advance the peace plan, initiated by Donald Trump and supported by nations like Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.

Speaking at the Manama Dialogue security summit in Bahrain, Ms. Cooper underscored the need to prevent Gaza from remaining in a limbo state between peace and war. She called for the removal of aid restrictions, including opening border crossings to expedite essential assistance to the enclave.

The UK pledged £4 million to clear landmines in Gaza, a crucial step to enable humanitarian support delivery. Ms. Cooper highlighted the necessity of eliminating unexploded munitions to ensure safety for civilians and facilitate reconstruction efforts.

Formally inviting Palestine to establish diplomatic ties with the United Kingdom, the Foreign Secretary acknowledged the challenges ahead in the peace process. These challenges include disarming Hamas, forming a new government, and implementing peacekeeping measures for sustainable security.

Ms. Cooper stressed the significance of allowing foreign journalists into Gaza to witness and report on the extensive devastation. She emphasized the need for immediate aid, long-term investment, and a Palestinian-led reconstruction effort to secure a better future for Gaza’s inhabitants.

Even post-peace, Ms. Cooper highlighted the enduring impact of conflict on children, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding and supporting the most vulnerable victims.