Burnham apologises for Labour’s early stance on Gaza

Andy Burnham has apologised for Labour’s initial response to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, saying the party failed to meet the moment. His remarks point to pressure inside Labour for stronger UK action, including possible further sanctions and limits on trade with illegal settlements.

In a video message posted on X on Thursday, Burnham said many people believed Labour had mishandled its early response to Israel’s operation in Gaza. “We got it wrong,” he said, adding that the response “has not been good enough.”

Burnham said the UK had taken some steps, including recognition of a Palestinian state, sanctions on Israeli far-right ministers and several rounds of restrictions targeting violent settlers. He said Britain was too slow to demand a ceasefire and should now strengthen its approach.

Al Jazeera described Burnham as the United Kingdom’s likely incoming next prime minister. The outlet reported that his comments came after Labour, under Keir Starmer, faced criticism from some supporters who saw the party’s Gaza position as too weak, including its resistance to early calls for an immediate ceasefire.

Call for tougher measures

Burnham said Israel continues to kill Palestinians in Gaza despite a truce, and he said settler violence and illegal settlement expansion across occupied Palestinian territory continue to rise. He called for more pressure on the Israeli government.

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, more than 1,000 people in Gaza have been killed since a US-brokered ceasefire was agreed in October. Al Jazeera reported that Burnham cited the continued deaths as part of his argument for tougher UK action.

Burnham said Britain should consider further sanctions on people involved in violence in Gaza. He also said the UK should look at measures to block trade in goods from illegal settlements, though he did not name specific people who should face sanctions.

He said there is “increasing evidence” that war crimes appear to have been committed, while adding that international law must make the final determination. Burnham did not accuse Israel of genocide in Gaza, a charge some Labour lawmakers have made, according to Al Jazeera.

Labour’s political pressure

Burnham also said Britain should be able to criticise events in Gaza while condemning Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack and later antisemitic violence in the UK. His comments placed the Labour response to Gaza alongside concerns about antisemitism at home.

Al Jazeera reported that Labour’s stance under Starmer alienated some supporters, especially younger voters, and pushed some toward the Green Party. Burnham’s apology marks an attempt to address that criticism while arguing for stronger pressure on Israel through sanctions and trade measures.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.