Andy Burnham, a leading politician in the UK Labour Party, apologized for his party's inadequate initial response to Israel's attacks on Gaza. In a video message on X, Burnham said, "Many people feel that my party did not take the right stance at the start of Israel's military operation in Gaza, and I am sorry for that."
Burnham acknowledged that the UK has taken steps such as recognizing the Palestinian state, sanctioning far-right Israeli ministers, and imposing restrictions on violent settlers, but he stressed that the call for a ceasefire came far too late. "Let's be honest: the UK was far too slow in calling for a ceasefire, and now we must do more to strengthen our approach," he said.
Burnham noted that despite the ceasefire, Israel continues to kill Palestinians in Gaza, and settler violence and illegal settlement expansion persist in the occupied Palestinian territories. Citing data from the Palestinian Health Ministry, he recalled that more than a thousand people have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire brokered by the US in October.
Call for sanctions
"Therefore, we must do more, including additional sanctions on those involved in the violence in Gaza, as well as measures to ban trade with illegal settlements," said Burnham, who did not specify who should be sanctioned.
Burnham said more pressure should be put on the Israeli government, but unlike some party members, he did not accuse Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. However, he said there is "growing evidence that war crimes have been committed," but the final determination rests with international law.
Internal party reactions
The Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, faced sharp criticism from some supporters for its very weak response to Israel's devastating war on Gaza. The party resisted demands for an immediate ceasefire call, which particularly alienated young supporters who turned to the Green Party.
Burnham also said that while criticizing what is happening in the Gaza Strip, the UK must also condemn Hamas's attack on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent anti-Semitic violence in the UK.
