‘No role’ for Hamas in Gaza – UK foreign secretary

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has firmly stated that Hamas will have no involvement in the future governance of Gaza, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and stable path forward for the region. Speaking in Paris after a high-level meeting with European and Arab foreign ministers, Cooper highlighted the shared international commitment to ensuring that the future of Gaza is built on peace, stability, and cooperation — not violence or extremism.

According to Cooper, the tragic events and deep anguish witnessed over the past two years have made it clear that Hamas cannot play any role in shaping Gaza’s future. She stressed that the international community must now focus on rebuilding trust and creating a framework that supports long-term peace and stability for both Palestinians and Israelis. “There will be no role for Hamas as a result of the anguish that we’ve seen over the past two years and the importance of building a lasting peace,” she stated.

Cooper noted that both the Arab League and the 20-point peace plan introduced by US President Donald Trump outline a structured approach to post-war governance. This plan proposes the establishment of a Palestinian-led committee that will take charge of administrative and political reconstruction efforts in Gaza, while clearly excluding Hamas from any position of authority. The goal, according to Cooper, is to ensure that Gaza’s future leadership reflects the will of its people while aligning with international efforts toward peace and regional stability.

She also underscored the importance of collaboration between European and Arab nations in supporting reconstruction, humanitarian aid, and governance reforms. Cooper emphasized that any new framework must prioritize the needs and aspirations of ordinary Palestinians — including safety, economic opportunity, and freedom — while preventing the resurgence of militant groups.

In conclusion, Cooper’s remarks in Paris signal a unified stance among key international partners. The vision for Gaza’s future, she said, lies in inclusive, peaceful governance that excludes extremist influences, paving the way for a sustainable and secure future for the Palestinian people and the wider region.