UK PM Keir Starmer Marks Two Years Since Hamas Attacks, Vows Support for Jewish Communities and Peace in Middle East.
London:
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has issued a solemn statement marking the second anniversary of the October 7th 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel, describing the events as “the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust” and reaffirming the UK’s unwavering support for both the victims and the Jewish community at home and abroad.
“Time does not diminish the evil we saw that day,” the Prime Minister said, recalling the brutal murder, torture, and abduction of civilians, including British nationals. “So many have endured a living nightmare,” he added, highlighting the ongoing plight of hostages still held in Gaza, and reaffirming his personal promise to the families of British hostages that the UK will “not cease in our efforts to bring their loved ones home.”
The coordinated Hamas assault, which killed over 1,200 people and led to the kidnapping of hundreds, remains a defining moment in the region’s history and continues to shape international diplomatic priorities. Starmer’s statement not only paid tribute to the victims but also addressed the troubling rise in antisemitism in the UK in the wake of the attacks.
“Back here in the UK, our Jewish communities have also endured rising antisemitism on our streets,” the Prime Minister said, referencing last week’s terrorist attack on a synagogue during Yom Kippur in Manchester. “This is a stain on who we are, and this country will always stand tall and united against those who wish harm and hatred upon Jewish communities.”
On the broader geopolitical front, Starmer reiterated the UK’s commitment to a peaceful resolution in the Middle East. He outlined the government’s priorities as securing the release of hostages, ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and supporting a ceasefire that leads to “a lasting and just peace.”
He reaffirmed Britain’s long-standing support for a Two-State solution: “A safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state.” Starmer also welcomed ongoing U.S. diplomatic efforts and pledged full UK support to achieving enduring peace in the region.
The Prime Minister concluded with a message of hope and determination, envisioning a future where “every child of Israel can live peacefully, alongside their Palestinian neighbours, in safety and security.”
