Starmer defends Government’s Gaza response after Burnham’s apology

Keir Starmer has defended his government’s stance on Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza after the October 7 attacks, just days after his successor, Andy Burnham, issued an apology and said: “My party didn’t get it right.”

Speaking to Jewish News, the Prime Minister recalled the October 7 Hamas attack in southern Israel, stating: “I know exactly why it was important for our country to steer a careful path in the aftermath of a horrific attack.”

Starmer rejected earlier calls from Burnham and others to demand a ceasefire in Gaza just weeks after October 7, insisting he had also “made the argument for more humanitarian aid to get into Gaza with a terrible situation evolving there.”

In his final week as PM, Starmer hosted a garden party at Downing Street for members of the Jewish community to thank them for their support.

Asked whether Burnham had been right to apologise for the government’s position, Starmer avoided a direct challenge but emphasised the “big decision” to recognise Palestine—something he “genuinely believes” is the only path toward a two-state solution.

In what seemed an indirect challenge to Burnham’s government to take similarly bold steps on foreign policy in the region, Starmer said: “The big question is how do we take this forward—and that has to be a two-state solution. We took a big step on that road with the recognition of Palestine.”

Starmer also reiterated his decision to reject early calls for a ceasefire from Burnham and others.

Last week, the Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council expressed “significant concerns” to Burnham’s team about his recent comments.

Defending the decision to recognise a Palestinian state, Starmer told Jewish News:“I genuinely believe that a lasting end to the conflict will only come about that way, and I’m really proud that we’re taking steps to that end.”

Later Starmer was asked whether he the demonisation of Israel by some pro-Palestine activists directly contributed to violent antisemitism.

He said:”I think all language needs to be very carefully thought through, because words have consequences.

“Words carry meaning, and therefore, it is important. And I’ve tried to get this right in my time.”

Heaton Park Synagogue Rabbi Daniel Walker and Alan Levy both attended Monday’s event at No.10.

Rabbi Walker has warned about how he believes the worldview of the terrorist who attacked the synagogue was shaped by a demonisation of Israel.