Starmer: Israel needs to be assured Hamas can never repeat 7 October
Labour leader also calls for renewed efforts by the UK and international partners to 'see the threat of Hamas removed'
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Keir Starmer has described the resumption of hostilities in Gaza as “deeply concerning” but stressed that a long-term solution to the conflict will only be reached “if Israel is assured that Hamas cannot carry out an attack like October 7 ever again”.
In a statement issued on Friday, after Israel resumed its fight against Hamas in response to the terrorists breaking a ceasefire agreement, the Labour leader also called for international efforts by the UK and international partners to “see the threat of Hamas removed.”
But he also warned that as a consequence of Israeli military action the “levels of death and destruction over the past weeks has been intolerable”.
He continued: “Far too many innocent Palestinians, including women and children, have been killed as part of military operations. There must be full accountability for all actions.”
The Labour leader said:”The end of the cessation of hostilities in Gaza is deeply concerning, I urge all sides not to squander progress made over the last week.
“All sides must work for a return to cessation that would allow for the release of more hostages, provide much needed time and space to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and open a dialogue for a political solution that provides for a long-term cessation of hostilities.
“We will only reach that long-term solution if Israel is assured that Hamas cannot carry out an attack like October 7 ever again. Those who can influence Hamas must demand they release the remaining hostages immediately. ”
Starmer also called for the UK and partners to “start work immediately to find a pathway to an enduring cessation of hostilities and a lasting political solution. ”
He added:”We want to see the threat of Hamas removed, the end to illegal settlements and settler violence in the West Bank, and a plan for the reconstruction and renewal of Gaza. ”
Starmer continued:”Palestinians must be assured their future will not be like the past, that they and their children will be able to enjoy the security, opportunities and rights that we take for granted. ”
He called for Israel to “not besiege or blockade Gaza” and said the IDF ” must comply with international law by protecting innocent lives and civilian infrastructure like schools and hospitals.”
Starmer said: “With winter coming and the people in Gaza being forced to live in an ever-smaller section of the strip, attempts to address the humanitarian catastrophe cannot regress, aid must be ramped up. The people of Gaza need aid, food, water, fuel, shelter, and medicine in huge volumes, to ensure hospitals function and lives are saved. We know the risk of disease is high and must be mitigated.”
With a realisation that a solution to the deadly conflict remains a long way off, Starmer admitted: “That will not be easy. Diplomatic work never is. But the past few days have shown what diplomacy can do.
“These are the essential steps if we are to deliver a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel, the only credible basis for long-term peace.”
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