Sunak tells MPs Hamas committed a ‘pogrom’ in Commons statement
Stressing the unified Westminster response to the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, Keir Starmer said 'We must never underestimate the burden of history that Jewish people carry with them'
Rishi Sunak has confirmed to the House of Commons with a “heavy-heart” that at least six Britons were killed in the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and a further 10 are still missing in events he labelled a “pogrom”.
In his statement to MPs, the prime minister went on to say this “atrocity was an existential strike at the very idea of Israel as a safe homeland for the Jewish people.”
Responding to the statement, Labour leader Keir Starmer stressed Westminster was “united” over its response to the October 7th atrocities.
Starmer added that in the aftermath of the attacks, which have shaken the community :”We must never underestimate the burden of history that Jewish people carry with them.”
Sunak also addressed the community directly addinh:” I understand why it has shaken you to your core. And I’m sickened that antisemitic incidents have increased since the attack.”
Sunak also used his speech to urge Israel to take “every possible precaution” to protect civilians as it pursues Hamas.
“As a friend, we will continue to call on Israel to take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians,” he said. “I repeat President Biden’s words: as democracies we are stronger and more secure when we act according to the rule of law.”
He told of his conversations with Benjamin Nentanyahu where he said he had urged Israel to avoid civilian casualties.
He also said he recognises this is a moment of “great anguish” for British Muslim communities who are “appalled” by what Hamas did, and fearful of the response.
Sunak said he wished to highlight three things the government was doing in response,
including deploying RAF aircraft and the Royal Navy to stop the supply of further arms to the region and to help with the humanitarian effort.
He said the government was increasing the spending on humanitarian aid to the Palestinians by £10m.
The PM also said he would step up UK diplomatic efforts “to sustain the prospects of peace and stability in the region”.
Sunak said he had spoken to Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the Palestinian Authority, earlier today.
Starmer also told MPs”As in any time of grave crisis, it is crucial that this House speaks with one voice. “In condemnation of terror. In support for Israel in its time of agony and for the dignity of all human life. Because Mr. Speaker, Hamas do not wish to see peace in the Middle East, they just want to see Israel wiped off the map.”
The Labour leader added:”I do not want Britain to be a place where Jewish schools are closed, Jewish children stay at home out of fear and Jewish families feel compelled to hide their identity.
“And I do not want Britain to be a place where British Muslims feel they have to apologise for the actions of people who do not act in their name.
“We cannot allow community cohesion in our country to be destroyed. ”
But in his intervention Ed Davey, the Lib Dem leader, said he was concerned that the” forced evacuation” of hospital in Gaza was a breach of international humanitarian law.
Alicia Kearns, the Conservative chair of the Commons foreign affairs committee, also urged Sunak to appoint a special envoy for the peace process, as she expressed concerns about the scale of the Israeli response.
Left-winger Richard Burgon, condemned the Hamas attacks but then suggested what Israel was doing in Gaza amounted to “the collective punishment of Palestinian civilians”.
The Leeds MP also urged the PM to encourage Israel to stop what he suggested could be “war crimes.”
Sunak stressed Israel’s right to defend itself.
Earlier both the House of Commons and House of Lords have observed a minutes silence to remember those murdered and injured as a result of the “terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
