The United Kingdom, Australia and Canada have jointly launched a new International Peace Fund aimed at supporting long-term peacebuilding efforts between Israelis and Palestinians,
marking a significant step in advancing a sustainable two-state solution.
Announced during a meeting of Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and her counterparts, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, at Chevening House, the initiative will complement ongoing diplomatic, humanitarian and security efforts in the region.
The three governments have each committed £1 million to establish the fund, creating an initial £3 million ($4 million) platform designed to address the root causes of conflict through community-led peacebuilding programs.
The fund will support grassroots initiatives that foster dialogue, trust and cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian communities. Investments will include both existing and new projects involving youth groups, civil society organizations, women’s networks and emerging leaders, with the goal of strengthening the social foundations necessary for lasting peace.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
“Peace, justice and security in the Middle East depends on a two-state solution and it is why our countries have recognised the State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel.
“But too often Middle East peace is seen as an issue only of international diplomacy. When generations of Israelis and Palestinians have grown up with cycles of conflict and violence, we also need to support the local community organisations who are building dialogue, peace and trust across communities.
“That is why the UK is launching the International Peace Fund with Australia and Canada, to support those working tirelessly to foster understanding between Israeli and Palestinian communities and create the conditions for the two states to live side-by-side in peace.
“Alongside our international partners, we are clear that a negotiated two-state solution remains the only viable route to a just and lasting peace, with security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike. This Fund will help support progress towards that goal from within those communities themselves".
The initiative forms part of a broader international effort to advance peace and stability in the region. It complements humanitarian assistance programs in Palestine, recent sanctions targeting violent settlers in the West Bank, and support for the international 20-point Gaza Peace Plan.
During their discussions, the three foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a negotiated two-state solution as the only viable path toward lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. They also emphasized that Hamas must be disarmed, dismantled and excluded from any future governance structure in Palestine.
The ministers further addressed the global rise in antisemitism, pledging continued cooperation to protect Jewish communities in their respective countries following a series of attacks and threats reported over the past year.
Drawing on decades of experience in conflict resolution, including peacebuilding efforts in Northern Ireland and the Western Balkans, the United Kingdom said the new fund reflects its commitment to supporting practical solutions that address underlying drivers of conflict.
Officials said the fund is expected to expand over time by attracting additional international donors and partners, increasing its capacity to support reconciliation and coexistence initiatives across Israel and the Palestinian territories.
The International Peace Fund is expected to become operational in the coming months, providing financial support for programs aimed at creating the conditions necessary for future peace negotiations and a durable two-state settlement.
Key facts
The UK, Australia and Canada have each contributed £1 million to launch the International Peace Fund.
The fund will support grassroots peacebuilding and reconciliation projects between Israelis and Palestinians.
Priority recipients include youth organizations, civil society groups, women-led initiatives and future leaders.
The initiative complements humanitarian aid, diplomatic engagement and broader peace efforts in the region.
The three governments reaffirmed support for a negotiated two-state solution and opposition to Hamas' future role in Palestinian governance. Photo by Jaber Jehad Badwan, Wikimedia commons.
