UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for a ceasefire in Gaza and urged restraint from all parties involved in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which he said has impacted community relations within Britain. In an article published in the Sunday Times on the eve of the anniversary of Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, Starmer emphasized the need for peace while reflecting on how the conflict resonates in the UK.
“The sparks light touchpapers in our own communities here at home,” Starmer wrote, highlighting the significant ties between the UK and the Middle East. He noted that millions of people in Britain have family connections to the region, making the conflict particularly personal for many.
Since the October 7 attack, which marked a major escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Gaza Strip has faced continuous Israeli bombardment. The violence has extended beyond Gaza, with Israeli forces also conducting strikes in Lebanon against Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, while Iran has launched ballistic missiles toward Israel.
While expressing support for Israel, especially in the face of Iranian aggression, Starmer warned of the long-term consequences of the ongoing conflict. “A better future will not be won by traumatising, orphaning, and displacing another generation,” he said, cautioning against further destabilization in the region. He described the anniversary of the attack as a reminder of the high cost of political failure.
In the UK, the approaching anniversary has been marked by pro-Palestinian demonstrations, including a large march in London. While most of the protests have remained peaceful, police arrested 15 people amid tensions between marchers and counter-protesters.
Starmer also addressed the rise in “vile hatred” directed at Jewish and Muslim communities in Britain over the past year. “Our differences and diversity should bind us together more strongly, not drive us apart,” he urged.
UK religious leaders echoed this call for unity. In a joint open letter, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, and Imam Qari Asim of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board condemned prejudice and hatred in all its forms. “Anti-Jewish hate and anti-Muslim hate have no place in the UK today,” the letter stated, calling on the public to reject division and stand together during these challenging times.
