David Lammy’s Response to Israel-Hamas Conflict

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy has expressed his support for Israel in the wake of attacks by Hamas. Speaking at a fringe event during the Labour conference, Mr. Lammy stated that “Israel has a right to self-defense against terrorism.” He emphasized that any response should be “proportionate” and “within international law.” Mr. Lammy’s remarks come as the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates, with more than 600 Israelis reportedly killed in attacks from Gaza since Saturday.

Retaliatory Israeli air strikes have taken a heavy toll on the Gaza Strip, resulting in at least 370 casualties and leaving 2,200 wounded, according to Palestinian officials. Tragically, a British man serving with the Israeli military lost his life on the Gaza border, a loss deeply felt by his family. The conflict has also led to distressing images of “elderly people, children, and women being taken, being shot, some being held as hostages,” Mr. Lammy noted.

In a comparison with a hypothetical attack in the UK, Mr. Lammy remarked that it would be considered a grave situation, and they would respond within international law to address the crisis. Later, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer extended his condolences to the family of the British man Nathanel Young and all those affected by the violence.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak communicated his support to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, unequivocally condemning Hamas and those who support the organization. He held them fully responsible for the acts of terror, including the murder of civilians and the kidnapping of innocent people, including children.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was removed from the Labour Party’s parliamentary party over his response to a report on antisemitism during his leadership, did not condemn Hamas during a left-wing event held outside the Labour Party conference. Mr. Corbyn expressed his desire for peace, a ceasefire, and a process to end the Israeli occupation of Palestine. He currently serves as an independent MP but remains a party member.

During Corbyn’s leadership, the Labour Party increasingly expressed support for Palestinian movements and criticized Israeli policies. In the 2018 Labour conference, hundreds of members unfurled Palestinian flags and chanted slogans in support of the Palestinian people.

Mr. Lammy reiterated that “Hamas is a proscribed terrorist organization” in the UK, emphasizing Labour’s official position in favor of a two-state solution that respects the sovereignty of Israel and upholds the dignity and human rights of Palestinians.

These statements from David Lammy and others highlight the complexity and sensitivity of the Israel-Hamas conflict, which continues to have far-reaching consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians.