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Keir Starmer delivers a strong anniversary statement on the ongoing Middle East situation

  • Writer: Politicals
    Politicals
  • Oct 18, 2024
  • 4 min read

Updated: Nov 9, 2024

The Prime Minister took to the floor of the House of Commons on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks to deliver a solemn and forceful oral statement on the ongoing Middle East crisis.

His words reflected the gravity of the situation and paid tribute to the victims of what he called The bloodiest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
Middle East Crisis
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In an address laden with emotion, he began by acknowledging the sorrow that persists a year after the initial Hamas assault on Israel, which claimed over a thousand lives.

It was a day of sorrow, a day of grief, he said, referring to the devastation and trauma caused by the attack. Hundreds were taken hostage in an act borne of hatred.

Fifteen British citizens were also among those killed, a point that struck home with both the UK public and the international community.

The Prime Minister's speech was marked by poignant references to the personal stories of victims. One such story was that of Emily Damari, a British-Israeli woman who remains in captivity.

Her mother, Mandy Damari provided words that cut through the political theatre, My personal clock stopped at 10:24 on the 7th of October,the moment Emily sent a final message before her kibbutz was attacked.
The Prime Minister reflected on his meeting with the families of those affected, saying that he would never forget their words. He added The hostages must be returned immediately and unconditionally.

Addressing the broader Middle East crisis

While the Prime Minister’s statement was deeply rooted in the personal grief of British families, it quickly expanded to address the broader conflict. He expressed profound concern over the toll that the past year of warfare had taken on civilians, particularly in Gaza, where he cited staggering statistics,

Over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed. Tens of thousands orphaned. Almost two million displaced. Facing disease, starvation, desperation without proper healthcare or shelter. It is a living nightmare, and it must end.

The Prime Minister’s words signaled a clear acknowledgment of the suffering on all sides of the conflict, an approach aimed at appealing to a broad swath of the international community.

We stand with all the innocent victims in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and beyond, he declared, emphasising that the UK remains committed to upholding its values of tolerance and respect.
He further condemned any acts of hate against Jewish or Muslim communities within the UK, saying Any attack on a minority is an attack on our proud values.

Iran’s role in the conflict

The Prime Minister turned his attention to Iran, whose role in the conflict has drawn international scrutiny.

He condemned Iran’s actions in no uncertain terms, characterising their involvement as anact of aggression and a major escalation.
He pointed to Iran’s support of Hamas and Hizballah stating, They helped equip Hamas for the 7th of October attacks. They armed Hizballah, who launched a year-long barrage of rockets on northern Israel.

His condemnation extended to Iran’s attacks on international shipping and its alleged backing of the Houthi movement, which has also engaged in hostilities against Israel. The Prime Minister made it clear that the UK supports Israel's right to self-defence, provided that it is in accordance with international law.

This was not a defensive action by Iran, he said, underscoring that Tehran’s actions were an unwarranted act of aggression.

Call for diplomacy

Acknowledging the limitations of military solutions, the Prime Minister stressed the need for diplomacy in resolving the ongoing conflict. He outlined the UK’s diplomatic efforts, including discussions with key players in the region – Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority and appealed for renewed political efforts.

Civilians on all sides have suffered too much. All sides must now step back from the brink and find the courage of restraint,he urged.

The Prime Minister described the necessity of re-engaging with the political process, pointing out that the ultimate goal remains a two-state solution.

There is no other option which offers stability and security, he said, urging the international community to rally behind a long-term resolution that ensures Israel’s safety alongside the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The focus, he explained, must be on rebuilding the Palestinian Authority and providing the humanitarian aid needed to address the dire conditions in Gaza.

Immediate humanitarian efforts

In addition to long-term diplomatic goals, the Prime Minister highlighted the immediate steps being taken to provide humanitarian relief in the region. He criticised Israel’s restrictions on aid to Gaza, calling for more crossings to be opened to allow life-saving aid to reach those in need.

Israel must act now, he said, stressing that the continued loss of life among civilians and aid workers, three of whom were British could no longer be tolerated.

He also pointed to the UK's efforts to assist British citizens caught in the conflict, particularly in Lebanon, where 430 individuals had already been evacuated. He called on those remaining in the country to leave immediately, warning of the ongoing dangers in the region.

Humble conclusion

The Prime Minister closed his address with a call for humility and understanding.

Nobody in this House can truly imagine what it feels like to cower under the bodies of your friends, hoping a terrorist won’t find you, mere minutes after dancing at a music festival, he said, reminding Parliament of the horrors faced by victims on both sides of the conflict.
He reflected on the devastation experienced by civilians in Gaza as well, Nobody in this House can truly imagine seeing your city, your homes, your schools, your hospitals, your businesses obliterated.

His final words were a call for remembrance, respect, and continued diplomatic action.

It is hard even to understand the full depth of this pain but what we can do is remember. What we can do is respect and listen to the voices that reach out to us at these moments.

The Prime Minister's address to the House of Commons was well-received across party lines, reflecting a unified sense of urgency and commitment to finding a resolution to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. As the conflict marks its first grim anniversary, the UK’s role in fostering dialogue and delivering humanitarian aid remains more crucial than ever. In a conflict marked by deep divisions and mounting casualties, the need for diplomacy and restraint has never been more urgent.

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