In a speech on the international situation in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas war, UK opposition leader, Keir Starmer stated that now is not the time for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Speaking at Chatham House in London on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, Starmer noted that while he understands calls for a ceasefire at this stage, he does not believe that it is the correct position now for two reasons.
“One, because a ceasefire always freezes any conflict in the state where it currently lives,” he stated.
“And as we speak, that would leave Hamas with the infrastructure and the capability to carry out the sort of attack we saw on 7 October. Attacks that are still ongoing. Hostages, who should be released, still held. Hamas would be emboldened and start preparing for future violence immediately.
“And it is this context which explains my second reason. Our current call for a pause in the fighting for clear and specific humanitarian purposes, and which must start immediately, is right in practice, as well as principle.”
Keir Starmer
Starmer stressed that “at this moment,” humanitarian pause was the only credible approach that has any chance of achieving “what we all want to see in Gaza.”
“The urgent alleviation of Palestinian suffering, aid distributed quickly, space to get hostages out,” he listed.
Starmer’s remarks came after Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Monday, October 30, 2023, dismissed calls for ceasefire.
Netanyahu said,“Calls for a ceasefire are calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas. To surrender to terrorists. To surrender to barbarism. That will not happen.”
He added, “Ladies and gentlemen, the Bible says that there is a time for peace, and a time for war. This is a time for war, a war for our common future.”
Starmer Criticizes International Community
Moreover, Starmer criticised the international community for failing to seek a just solution for peace in Israel and Palestine over recent years.
He noted, “For too long the international community has put the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into the too difficult box.”
“No – what has happened is we have continually paid lip service to a two-state solution. Because it’s easier – convenient – perhaps to look away,” he asserted.
To look away from Gaza. Knowing it is controlled by those who want to kill Jews and wipe Israel off the map.
“To look away from Israel. Knowing people live without the security which they deserve. To look away from the West Bank. Knowing more settlements are being built against international law.”
Keir Starmer
Also, Starmer urged that this must be the time for a new resolve, saying, “A renewed push, from all parties, to find a way to peace.”
“It will mean engaging with our Arab partners, working urgently on viable plans for a Palestine free from the terrorism of Hamas.
“It will mean engaging with Israel, seeking to address its security concerns in the future but showing clearly that the settlement building is unacceptable, unlawful and has to stop.
Keir Starmer
Starmer pointed out the two-state solution.
He said that the Palestinian people need to know that there is a genuine will and determination from “Israel, from Arab states, from the West to finally address their plight in deeds as well as words.”
“Because the Palestinian claim to statehood is not in the gift of a neighbour. It is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people and the clear logic of any call for a two-state solution. So my Labour Party will fight for that cause. We will work with international partners towards the recognition of a Palestinian state as part of a negotiated, just and lasting peace.”
Keir Starmer
