**Title: UK Labour Leader Andy Burnham Issues Apology Over Party’s Response to Gaza Violence**
**Date: July 9, 2026**
In a significant development within the UK Labour Party, Andy Burnham, the party's likely next prime minister, has publicly apologized for the Labour Party's initial response to the ongoing violence in Gaza. His remarks come amidst growing criticism regarding the party's stance on the Israeli military operations in the region.
In a video message shared on the social media platform X, Burnham acknowledged that many felt the party's response was inadequate at the onset of Israel's military actions in Gaza. “We got it wrong,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a more robust approach from the UK government. He further expressed regret, saying, “The response has not been good enough. We needed to be better.”
Burnham's comments reflect a broader concern within the Labour Party about its handling of the situation in Gaza, particularly as the conflict has escalated. He noted that while the UK government had taken some steps—such as recognizing the state of Palestine and imposing sanctions on certain Israeli officials—these measures were insufficient. “Let’s be honest: The UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire, and we must now do more to strengthen our approach,” he added.
The situation in Gaza has been dire, with reports from the Palestinian Health Ministry indicating that over 1,000 individuals have lost their lives since a US-brokered ceasefire was agreed upon in October 2023. Burnham highlighted the ongoing violence, stating that Israel continues to conduct attacks in Gaza despite the truce, and that settler violence and illegal settlement expansions in occupied Palestinian territories are on the rise.
In light of these developments, Burnham called for the UK to consider additional sanctions on those involved in the violence in Gaza and to explore measures to prohibit trade with illegal settlements. However, he refrained from specifying which individuals or entities should be targeted with sanctions.
While Burnham did not label Israel's actions as genocide, a term used by some Labour lawmakers, he acknowledged the increasing evidence suggesting that war crimes may have been committed. He emphasized the importance of international law in addressing these allegations. Furthermore, he reiterated the need for the UK to condemn the violence occurring in Gaza while also denouncing Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023, along with the subsequent rise in anti-Semitic incidents within the UK.
The Labour Party, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, has faced significant backlash from its supporters for what many perceive as a tepid response to the violence in Gaza. This criticism has led some members, particularly younger supporters, to shift their allegiance towards the Green Party, seeking a more assertive stance on the issue.
Burnham's apology and call for a stronger response may signal a shift in the Labour Party's approach to international conflicts, particularly those involving Israel and Palestine. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the party's standing and its relationship with its supporters.