Since the start of Israel’s genocide in Gaza on October 8, 2023, Israel has killed 73,118 Palestinians and wounded 173,615, in addition to widespread destruction affecting about 90 percent of civilian infrastructure.
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UK premier-in-waiting’s apology
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Embassy in Britain on Thursday welcomed UK premier-in-waiting Andy Burnham’s apology for the Labour Party’s initial response to Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
“The Embassy of the State of Palestine welcomes the acknowledgement of Andy Burnham MP that during the early stages of the war in Gaza, the UK government ‘didn’t get it right’,” it said in a statement.
Acknowledging significant steps already taken by the UK, the embassy called for expanding sanctions on the “entire ecosystem of colonial occupation,” ceasing all arms sales to Israel, banning all trade with illegal Israeli settlements and penalising UK companies profiting from Israeli occupation.
“We welcome Mr. Burnham’s acknowledgement that more must be done. We now urge that this commitment be translated into concrete action consistent with the United Kingdom’s obligations under international law,” said Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the UK Husam Zomlot.
Burnham apologised Thursday for Labour’s initial response to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, saying the party “didn’t get it right” and promising a tougher approach toward the Israeli government if he becomes prime minister.
Speaking to the Guardian, he acknowledged concerns over Labour’s handling of the Gaza genocide.
“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. The response has too often not been good enough. We need to do better,” he said.
