Yvette Cooper Issues Stern Gaza Warning
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted that UK-supplied food and shelter aid for Gaza has been stuck in warehouses for months, underscoring the urgent need for action.
Pressure on Israel to Lift Blockades
Cooper emphasized that the people of Gaza cannot afford to wait for essential aid. She announced plans to travel to Jordan on Monday to see firsthand how UK-funded aid is being obstructed at the border.
She stated:
“The people of Gaza cannot afford to wait.”
Her trip marks her first visit to the Middle East as Foreign Secretary, aiming to remove restrictions on lifesaving supplies.
Witnessing Delays and Humanitarian Crisis
Speaking from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Cooper described the situation as a "man-made famine" with severe malnutrition among children.
“We've seen man-made famine. We've seen real malnutrition among children. Aid is starting to get back in but we want to accelerate that. We have aid that's being held in Jordan that the UK has provided. We want to see that getting in.”
Diplomatic Talks for Lasting Peace
The Foreign Secretary also met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to discuss securing long-term peace following the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
“We all know that the ceasefire is still fragile, therefore, what are the things that we need to do and we need other countries to do together to support this process and make sure that we can get a just and lasting peace.”
Summary: Yvette Cooper urges urgent unblocking of UK aid to Gaza while calling for international cooperation to sustain fragile ceasefire and achieve lasting peace.