Andy Burnham pledges Gaza action as UK premiership nears
Andy Burnham apologised for Labour’s early position on Israeli attacks in Gaza and called for accountability for Netanyahu’s government, Al Jazeera reported.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
2 min read
Andy Burnham, described by Al Jazeera as the expected next prime minister of the United Kingdom, has said he will work to stop suffering in Gaza. The statement points to a possible shift in the tone of British government policy on Israel’s war in Gaza if Burnham takes office.
Al Jazeera reported on July 10, 2026, that Burnham posted on social media to apologise for the Labour Party’s early position on Israeli attacks in Gaza. The broadcaster said Burnham is now calling for accountability for the Netanyahu government.
Burnham’s remarks place Gaza among the foreign policy issues likely to confront the next British leader. According to Al Jazeera, his message combined an apology over Labour’s earlier stance with a pledge to act over the continuing suffering in the Palestinian territory.
The report did not give a detailed policy plan or list specific measures Burnham would support. It said his public comments focused on stopping the suffering in Gaza and seeking accountability from Netanyahu’s government.
Labour’s response to Israel’s attacks in Gaza has drawn scrutiny from critics who argued the party did not move quickly enough to oppose the violence. Al Jazeera reported that Burnham’s apology addressed that early position, though it did not quote the full text of his post.
The comments come as Burnham is expected to become prime minister, according to Al Jazeera. That status gives his position on Gaza added weight, because it may signal how a new British government would approach Israel, the Palestinians and calls for accountability over the war.
Al Jazeera said Burnham made the remarks through social media. The report did not specify what diplomatic steps he would take if he enters Downing Street, or whether his call for accountability would involve sanctions, legal action or changes to UK arms policy.
For now, the public commitment marks a clear attempt by Burnham to distance himself from Labour’s earlier response to Israel’s attacks in Gaza. Al Jazeera reported that he framed the issue around ending suffering and holding Netanyahu’s government to account.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.