According to the Foreign Secretary, urgent action is needed in Gaza as people cannot wait for aid amidst restrictions on essential supplies imposed by Israel. Yvette Cooper is set to travel to Jordan to observe the delays in delivering crucial aid to the region, with a warehouse full of British-funded assistance being blocked at the border.
Prior to her trip, Cooper emphasized the critical situation, stating that the people of Gaza cannot afford any delays in receiving necessary aid. This visit marks her first to the Middle East since assuming office as Foreign Secretary.
During her visit, Cooper aims to address the obstacles hindering the flow of vital supplies, particularly focusing on aiding children suffering from malnutrition and enhancing the distribution of humanitarian assistance. She highlighted the importance of accelerating aid delivery, especially aid provided by the UK that is currently held up in Jordan.
In discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Foreign Secretary stressed the need for sustained peace efforts following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Cooper emphasized the significance of international collaboration to support lasting peace, advocating for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully.
During her visit to the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, Cooper engaged with volunteers to discuss the reconstruction of Gaza’s healthcare system. She also participated in a traditional tea ceremony with prominent Saudi women at the King Abdullah Financial District.
Additionally, Cooper announced a £6 million funding allocation for life-saving healthcare for women in Gaza, particularly focusing on emergency birth kits to address the significant number of women giving birth outside of hospitals weekly. She plans to meet with Jordanian leaders to discuss post-ceasefire initiatives and reconstruction efforts.
As part of her itinerary, the Foreign Secretary will interact with schoolgirls, visit hospitals where evacuated children from Gaza received NHS care in the UK, and observe the training of Palestinian security forces based in the West Bank.
