Key facts
- Andy Burnham, expected to be named Britain's new prime minister, wants to increase pressure on Israel's government.
- Burnham criticized the initial response to the Gaza conflict and called for a stronger UK approach.
- He suggested measures such as further sanctions and banning trade with illegal settlements.
- Burnham noted the UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire in the conflict.
Andy Burnham, who is expected to be named Britain's new prime minister, has stated his intention to exert greater pressure on the Israeli government concerning its actions in Gaza. In an interview with The Guardian, Burnham criticized the initial reaction of current Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Israel's military campaign, which began in October 2023 following an attack by Hamas-led gunmen.
Burnham asserted that "We’ve got to do more to put pressure on the Israeli government... But 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 noted that Starmer initially resisted calls for a ceasefire, instead backing a humanitarian pause, before later calling for a ceasefire and criticizing Israel's conduct.
Burnham suggested that further measures should be considered, including "looking at further sanctions, both on those involved in the violence in Gaza but also looking at measures to ban trade in goods with illegal settlements.” Israel's military has continued strikes in Gaza amidst a wider regional conflict involving Iran and Hezbollah, citing threats from Hamas.