Burnham intensifies Gaza criticism: 'stain on conscience', arms curbs, settlement ban, war crimes probe

Andy Burnham, the frontrunner to become UK prime minister, released a full statement Thursday evening, as reported by Abu Ali Express, in which he described the suffering in Gaza as 'a stain on our collective conscience' and expressed full support for restrictions on arms exports to Israel and a ban on trade with Israeli settlements. He also said that mounting evidence suggests possible war crimes and that Israel continues to violate the ceasefire. The statement follows his earlier apology to The Guardian, reported by The Zioneer at 20:16, for Labour's initial response to the Gaza war.

Andy Burnham, the frontrunner to become UK prime minister, released a full statement Thursday evening that significantly escalates his criticism of Israel. While his earlier remarks to The Guardian, reported by The Zioneer at 20:16, included an apology for Labour's initial response and a vow to ban trade from settlements, the new statement goes further. Burnham described the suffering in Gaza as 'a stain on our collective conscience' and expressed full support for restrictions on arms exports to Israel, ensuring that British weapons are not used by the IDF. He also called for a ban on trade with 'illegal settlements' in Judea and Samaria and East Jerusalem, and said that 'mounting evidence suggests that war crimes may have been committed.' The statement, as reported by Abu Ali Express, comes as Burnham is widely expected to succeed Keir Starmer, who resigned on June 21 amid internal Labour collapse. Burnham's position marks a sharp departure from Starmer's more cautious approach toward Israel and has drawn significant attention from Israeli officials and pro-Israel groups.

4 developments

1. 1 hour ago · 20:48 · 9 JulLatest

   Burnham apologized for Labour's Gaza response, stating the party failed.

2. 20:42 · 9 Jul

   Burnham calls for arms export restrictions and a war crimes probe.

3. 20:16 · 9 Jul

   Burnham considers banning trade from Israeli settlements.

• Developing00:03 · 24 JunAndy Burnham, potential UK PM, declines to call Israel's actions 'genocide'
• Developing15:06 · 21 JunIn 2015, UK Labour leader Andy Burnham said his first foreign visit would be to Israel
• Strong13:41 · 19 JunBurnham returns to parliament in by-election win, strengthening Labour leadership challenge
• Strong19:45 · 19 JunStarmer reportedly weighs staying on as Labour leader amid growing pressure after Burnham by-election win

Source and signal

• Internal intake