Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has indicated that the international community is on the verge of securing a peace deal for Gaza, potentially ending two years of conflict and a humanitarian crisis that has claimed thousands of lives. Speaking ahead of the Labour party conference in Liverpool, Cooper said the world had 'reached a moment where it wants to end this war' after US President Donald Trump signalled a deal was close.
Cooper urged the Israeli government to 'urgently change course' from its renewed military offensive on Gaza, but declined to label Israel's actions as genocide, stating that determination was a matter for legal process. She acknowledged that 'words seem hollow' given the catastrophic situation and stressed the need to use new momentum behind a peace deal to end the suffering of Palestinian children.
The White House is reportedly backing a plan for former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to head a temporary technocratic administration in Gaza. Cooper twice declined to endorse Blair for the role, noting his controversial legacy due to the 2003 Iraq war. She emphasised that a ceasefire, restoration of humanitarian aid, and release of hostages were the first steps, but acknowledged the process was fragile.
Cooper said there was a 'real sense of determination' at the UN to end the war and build a proper plan for the future. She recognised Trump's instrumental role in bringing Israel on board, after he told reporters a deal was 'looking like we have one'. The 21-point US plan is reportedly compatible with the UN-endorsed plan for Palestine, with agreement on no mass displacement, no role for Hamas, and no West Bank annexation.
Cooper has not yet met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but insisted there is 'no military solution' and that Israel's security is not strengthened by further offensives. The UK Foreign Office continues to make regular internal assessments of the situation.
