Andy Burnham has apologized for the Labour Party's initial response to Israel's military actions in Gaza, stating that the party "didn't get it right" and must improve under his leadership. Burnham, considered a potential future leader, was among several prominent Labour figures who advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza by late October 2023, a position that contrasted with that of party leader Sir Keir Starmer at the time.
"Labour's initial response to the treatment of Gaza caused huge hurt. We got it wrong and I am sorry for that," Burnham wrote on social media, also reiterating his condemnation of the October 7 Hamas attack and antisemitic incidents in the UK.
During the initial weeks of the conflict, Starmer supported humanitarian pauses to facilitate aid to Gaza but stopped short of calling for a full ceasefire. Humanitarian pauses are typically short-term, lasting hours, and are intended purely for aid delivery rather than long-term political resolutions.
"I know that many people feel that at the start of Israel's military action in Gaza, my party didn't get it right, and I am sorry about that," Burnham stated in a video message. "The response has too often not been good enough. We need to do better. The UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire."
Starmer faced criticism for an October 11 interview where he stated, "I think that Israel does have that right," when asked about the appropriateness of Israel cutting off power and water to Gaza, adding that "everything should be done within international law, but I don't want to step away from the core principles that Israel has a right to defend herself." A spokesperson for Starmer later clarified that he meant Israel has a general right to self-defense.
Starmer's position at the time aligned with that of the Conservative government led by then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. In February 2024, Labour officially called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
Burnham also acknowledged positive steps taken by the Labour Party, including recognizing a Palestinian state, imposing sanctions on Israeli ministers and settlers, and restricting arms licenses to Israel. However, he stressed the need for further action to strengthen the party's approach, ensure Israeli adherence to international law, and preserve the possibility of a two-state solution.
He accused the Israeli government of violating a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement and noted a rise in settler violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. "Netanyahu's government is clearly attempting to make a two-state solution impossible," Burnham said, advocating for additional sanctions and measures to prohibit trade with illegal West Bank settlements.
Burnham's remarks have received support from some Labour MPs, including Wes Streeting, who called the apology "extremely welcome." Rupa Huq also commented on social media, stating, "High time this is acknowledged and glad something will be done about it."
The Israeli military initiated its campaign in Gaza following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. UN reports have accused the Israeli government of war crimes, including genocide in Gaza, allegations that Israel has denied.