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UK Backs Palestinian Independence but Opposes Annexation of West Bank
The UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has informed her Israeli counterpart that the United Kingdom does not support Israel annexing parts of the West Bank. The announcement comes amid growing international support for Palestinian statehood.
Cooper made the statement on Monday ahead of her trip to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly. On Sunday, September 21, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared that the country supports Palestinian independence, a position also endorsed by Portugal, Australia, and Canada.
Speaking to the BBC, Cooper said she had discussed with Israel the possibility of annexation but emphasized that the UK’s position is guided by the pursuit of peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. She said:
"We made it clear that our decision is the best way to ensure the safety of Israel and the security of Palestinians. Our goal is to protect peace and justice in the region, particularly in the Middle East, and we will continue to work with all relevant parties to achieve that."
Cooper added: "Just as we respect Israel as a nation, we must also respect the right of Palestinians to have their own state."
The UK’s statement comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to criticize countries backing Palestinian independence, insisting that such a state should never exist.
