UK Jewish groups express concern as the likely next PM Andy Burnham criticizes Israel over Gaza

Andy Burnham, the frontrunner to become Britain's next prime minister, has apologized for his party's initial handling of the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and subsequent Israeli military actions in Gaza. Burnham stated that the Labour party should have pushed harder for a ceasefire earlier and called for increased pressure on Israel.

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I know 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.

His comments, made in a video statement, also included support for further sanctions against Israelis involved in the violence and measures to ban trade with Israeli settlements. Burnham cited "increasing evidence that war crimes appear to have been committed" and described the suffering in Gaza as a "scar on our collective conscience."

Burnham's remarks prompted a joint response from the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council. The organizations stated they had contacted Burnham's team to express "significant concerns" regarding his statements. They acknowledged the humanitarian situation in Gaza but emphasized that the conflict cannot be understood without considering Hamas's role.

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The unbearable suffering in Gaza is a scar on our collective conscience. The killing of innocent Palestinians, including children, was completely unacceptable.

The Labour leader's comments come amid broader political pressure, with lawmakers across the spectrum calling for increased condemnation of Israel and sanctions. Burnham also condemned rising antisemitism in Britain, asserting that tackling it does not preclude holding the Israeli government accountable.

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We must now do more to strengthen our approach as Israel continues to violate the ceasefire agreement, killing innocent Palestinians.