Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, emphasized the urgent need for aid in Gaza and urged Israel to remove restrictions on essential supplies. Cooper is set to travel to Jordan to witness the delays in aid delivery at the border, particularly aid financed by Britain that is being blocked from entering Gaza.
Expressing concern ahead of her visit, Cooper stressed the immediate necessity of aid for the people in Gaza. During her first visit to the Middle East as Foreign Secretary, she is advocating for the removal of barriers hindering the flow of critical supplies.
In discussions with the Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Cooper focused on securing a lasting peace following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Both officials highlighted the importance of supporting the peace process and emphasized the significance of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully.
Cooper also engaged with volunteers at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre to address the reconstruction of Gaza’s healthcare system. Additionally, she announced a £6 million funding commitment for essential healthcare services for women, including emergency birth kits, in response to the healthcare challenges faced by women in Gaza.
During her visit to Jordan, Cooper will meet with local leaders to discuss rebuilding efforts and the ceasefire situation. She will also interact with schoolgirls, visit hospitals where evacuated children from Gaza received treatment in the UK, and observe the training of Palestinian security forces based in the West Bank.