Full Breakdown
Andy Burnham apologises for Labour’s Gaza stance and vows tougher action on Israel
7/10/2026, 4:44:57 PM
Core Event: Apology and policy shift
On 9 July 2026, Labour leader and prime-minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham issued a video message apologising for Labour’s “initial response to the treatment of Gaza,” saying the party “didn’t get it right” and pledging a “stronger approach” toward the Israeli government if he becomes prime minister on 20 July 2026. Burnham condemned the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack, denounced antisemitic incidents in the UK, and announced plans for additional sanctions on Israeli individuals and entities and a possible ban on trade in goods from illegal West Bank settlements.
Background & Context
The conflict began with the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and left 251 hostages. In the weeks that followed, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer backed short-term humanitarian pauses but stopped short of calling for a ceasefire, and in an 11 October 2023 LBC interview said Israel “has the right” to cut power and water to Gaza—a comment he later clarified as referring to Israel’s right to self-defence. Labour first called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in February 2024 and, in 2025, formally recognised a Palestinian state.
Key Figures & Groups
- Andy Burnham – Labour leader, former Greater Manchester mayor, now prime-minister-in-waiting.
- Sir Keir Starmer – Outgoing Labour leader whose early statements sparked criticism.
- Wes Streeting (MP, former health secretary) and Rupa Huq (MP for Ealing Central and Acton) – Expressed support for Burnburn’s apology.
- Mothin Ali – Green Party deputy leader, criticised Burnburn for deferring to international courts.
- Labour Friends of Israel – Remain influential within the party, backing Starmer’s earlier stance.
- Green Party – Benefited from Labour voters shifting over the Gaza issue (two-thirds of defectors cited the stance, Opinium poll for the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, June 2025).
Official Statements & Responses
Burnburn highlighted Labour’s “recognition of a Palestinian state, sanctions on Israeli ministers and violent settlers, and suspension of arms licences to ensure British weapons are not used by the IDF in Gaza or the West Bank.” He accused Israel of breaching the US-brokered ceasefire and of “surge[ing] in settler violence” that threatens a two-state solution. Burnburn stressed that “there’s increasing evidence that war crimes appear to have been committed,” but left determinations of genocide to international courts. The UK government, according to Burnburn, is already examining ways to block settlement-origin goods from entering Britain without harming legitimate Israeli trade.
Criticism & Opposition
Green deputy leader Mothin Ali argued Burnburn was “hiding behind international courts” and warned that acknowledging war crimes would create a legal duty to halt arms sales. Some Labour MPs on the left, such as York Central MP Rachael Maskell, welcomed the apology but urged stronger language, calling the Gaza devastation “a genocide.” Labour Friends of Israel warned that further sanctions could deepen party divisions.
Data & Statistics
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
UN investigations have accused Israel of war crimes that “amount to genocide” in Gaza, while the Israeli government denies all such allegations. Burnburn refrains from labeling the conflict a genocide, citing the need for judicial determination.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Labour's initial response to the treatment of Gaza caused huge hurt. We got it wrong and I am sorry for that,” — Andy Burnham, Makerfield MP
- “I have been absolutely appalled by what I’ve seen and read about the destruction of Gaza. There’s increasing evidence that war crimes appear to have been committed,” — Andy Burnham
- “no contradiction between a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism and holding the Netanyahu government to account.” — Andy Burnham
- “[Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu's government is clearly attempting to make a two-state solution impossible,” — Andy Burnham
- “We’ve got to do more to put pressure on the Israeli government … Yes, we have taken some important steps … But let’s be honest, the UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire. And we must now do more to strengthen our approach.” — Andy Burnham
What’s Next
Foreign Office ministers are reviewing mechanisms to prevent settlement-origin goods from entering the UK. Burnburn is set to assume the premiership on 20 July 2026, where his pledged sanctions and trade restrictions are expected to shape Britain’s Middle-East policy.
