Sir Keir Starmer addressed the recent anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel by criticizing Iran for its role in the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. He emphasized the need for the international community to hold Iran accountable for its actions and support Israel’s right to defend itself against aggression.
The prime minister reiterated his government’s stance on not imposing a total arms ban on Israel, despite calls from French President Emmanuel Macron for such a measure. He emphasized the importance of Israel’s ability to defend itself, especially in the face of recent attacks by Iran.
The solemn occasion marked the anniversary of the brutal Hamas attack, which resulted in numerous casualties and hostages. The conflict has escalated, with Israel facing threats from various groups supported by Iran, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.
Sir Keir also addressed concerns raised by Labour backbencher Stella Creasy regarding arms sales to Israel. He highlighted the need for a coordinated approach with allies to de-escalate tensions in the region and hold Iran accountable for its actions.
While the prime minister suspended some arms export licenses to Israel due to concerns about international law violations, he emphasized that the UK continues to support Israel in defending itself against aggression. The government’s decision to resume funding for the UNRWA was also discussed, with a focus on combating antisemitism in the UK.
Former prime minister Rishi Sunak echoed Sir Keir’s stance on defending Israel against Iranian attacks and the need to address the root cause of the conflict. He emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself and restore security for its citizens amid ongoing threats from Hezbollah and other terrorist groups.
Despite pressure in the Commons to impose a total arms ban on Israel, Sir Keir maintained his position on supporting Israel’s right to defend itself. He highlighted the inconsistency of advocating for Israel’s defense while depriving the country of the means to do so.
Overall, the prime minister’s address to the Commons underscored the UK’s commitment to supporting Israel in the face of escalating tensions in the Middle East. The ongoing conflict highlights the need for a coordinated international response to address the root causes of the crisis and hold those responsible, like Iran, accountable for their actions.
