Yvette Cooper Signals Global Momentum Towards Gaza Peace Deal Amid Humanitarian Crisis

Published: 28 September ‘2025. the English Chronicle Desk

The international community may be on the cusp of a historic breakthrough in Gaza, as signs emerge that world powers are coalescing around a potential peace agreement that could bring an end to more than two years of devastating conflict. The situation in Gaza, marked by widespread destruction, loss of life, and an ongoing humanitarian catastrophe, has captured global attention, and senior UK politicians are now cautiously optimistic that the long-standing impasse may finally see resolution.

Speaking after returning from a United Nations summit, the newly appointed UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, indicated that a rare moment of international consensus appears to be forming. “We have reached a moment where the world wants to end this war,” Cooper told the Guardian in an exclusive interview ahead of the Labour party conference in Liverpool. She suggested that recent diplomatic efforts, including statements from US President Donald Trump indicating that a peace deal was within reach, signal tangible progress toward ending the hostilities.

Cooper, a veteran Labour politician, underscored the urgency of the situation on the ground in Gaza, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. She urged the Israeli government to reconsider its current military strategy, warning that continued offensives are exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. While Cooper refrained from declaring the ongoing violence as constituting genocide—a position aligned with the UK government’s legal assessment—she emphasised that halting the bloodshed must be the immediate priority.

“The words seem hollow in the face of the screams and suffering of children in Gaza,” Cooper said. “The world must seize the momentum behind this potential peace deal to ensure that we bring an end to the violence, restore humanitarian aid, and release those being held hostage. Every day that passes without action prolongs unimaginable suffering.”

The peace initiative, reportedly backed by the White House, envisions the temporary leadership of Gaza by a technocratic administration under former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. Blair’s involvement, facilitated through his enduring ties with Gulf states and connections with key figures in Washington, is seen as an attempt to provide neutral oversight while stabilising the region. Cooper, however, was circumspect regarding the former prime minister’s role, noting the sensitivities surrounding his past interventions in the Middle East, including the controversial Iraq War of 2003.

“There is a consensus forming, and there was real energy and determination at the UN around achieving peace,” Cooper said. She described the process as beginning with essential steps: the establishment of a ceasefire, the restoration of humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages, while acknowledging the fragility and complexity of the negotiations. Cooper stressed that the path to peace will not be straightforward, highlighting the entrenched political and logistical obstacles that must be navigated carefully.

The White House has reportedly drafted a 21-point plan aimed at stabilising Gaza, aligned broadly with a UN-endorsed framework for Palestine. The proposals emphasise no mass displacement, the exclusion of Hamas from administrative roles, and no further annexation in the West Bank. Diplomats caution, however, that aspects of the plan remain contentious, particularly Blair’s proposed leadership role and the distribution of responsibilities between international actors. Cooper confirmed that work continues to align the various stakeholders while maintaining the fragile consensus achieved so far.

Cooper’s comments come at a time of heightened concern over the impact of ongoing military action on Gaza’s civilian population. She emphasised that there is no viable military solution to the crisis and that the security of both Israelis and Palestinians depends on an urgent cessation of hostilities. “The Israeli government urgently needs to change course,” she said. “Security cannot be achieved through further offensives. True safety for Israelis and Palestinians alike comes from dialogue, compromise, and the restoration of humanitarian conditions.”

Internally, the UK Foreign Office continues to assess the risk of atrocities in Gaza, with the current determination that the situation, while catastrophic, does not legally constitute genocide. Nonetheless, Cooper acknowledged the emotional weight of the crisis, describing the global distress as palpable and underscoring the moral imperative to act decisively. “The horror is visible to all, and the feeling that nothing is being done is palpable. The challenge now is to convert this rare moment of international focus into concrete action that ends the war and lays the groundwork for lasting peace,” she said.

The Foreign Secretary also addressed wider geopolitical concerns, including Russian military activity over Poland and Scandinavian countries. Cooper accused President Vladimir Putin of deliberate provocation intended to destabilise Europe, urging the US and NATO allies to take stronger collective action. She highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach to sanctions on Russian oil and gas, calling for coordinated international measures to counter ongoing threats to European security.

While the coming weeks will determine whether these diplomatic efforts translate into tangible outcomes on the ground, Cooper’s statements suggest cautious optimism that a concerted international effort could finally break the deadlock in Gaza. The emphasis on immediate humanitarian relief, a ceasefire, and a structured peace process reflects a shift in global priorities, signalling that the world may be ready to confront one of the longest-running conflicts in recent memory with renewed determination and political will.

The situation remains fluid, and challenges are manifold. Yet Cooper’s remarks provide a rare window into the behind-the-scenes diplomacy and emerging international consensus that may, for the first time in years, offer hope to the people of Gaza and to the broader Middle East. The coming diplomatic engagements, including upcoming meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, will be critical in shaping whether this potential peace deal can move from aspiration to reality, bringing an end to the prolonged suffering of countless civilians caught in the crossfire.