Lead

Andy Burnham, who is on track to become Britain's next prime minister following Keir Starmer's resignation, has apologized for his party's handling of the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and called for greater pressure on the Jewish state. His remarks have drawn a joint response from the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council, who said they had contacted his team to express "significant concerns."

Coverage Comparison

The Guardian's coverage focuses on Labour's complicated history with Israel and Palestine, examining how the party's stance has evolved and its impact on the electoral coalition. The report recounts a pivotal moment in 2023 when Keir Starmer, then opposition leader, appeared to suggest Israel had "the right" to withhold power and water from Palestinian civilians, remarks that were widely criticized and led to dozens of Muslim councillors threatening to quit the party. This episode highlighted deep tensions within Labour on a subject on which it has a complicated history, including its traditional support for Israel's creation and more recent solidarity with Palestinians.

The Jerusalem Post reports on a pro-Palestine protest in London, where thousands demanded Burnham take a harsher stance on Israel. The National March for Palestine, organized by the Palestine Coalition ahead of Burnham's expected entrance to Downing Street, saw the Palestine Solidarity Campaign call for sanctions against Israel, including a full arms embargo, an end to military cooperation and diplomatic support, and a total ban on all trade that aids or assists Israel's "atrocities and violations of international law." Eight arrests were made for offenses including assault and racially aggravated public order offenses.

A separate Jerusalem Post article covers Burnham's apology and the concerns raised by Jewish leaders, quoting Burnham's video statement and highlighting his calls for further sanctions, trade bans on Israeli settlements, and restrictions on arms licenses.

Key Claims

  • Andy Burnham apologized for Labour's initial response to Israel's military action in Gaza, as reported by both The Guardian and the Jerusalem Post.
  • Burnham called for greater pressure on Israel, including further sanctions, trade bans on settlements, and restrictions on arms licenses, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
  • The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council expressed "significant concerns" over Burnham's remarks, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
  • Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters marched in London on Saturday, demanding a harsher stance on Israel, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
  • The National March for Palestine was organized by the Palestine Coalition, and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign called for wide-ranging sanctions, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
  • Eight arrests were made during the protest, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.

Perspectives

Jewish Leadership Council and Board of Deputies

These groups expressed "significant concerns" about Burnham's remarks, contacting his team to relay their concerns, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.

Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Protesters

They called for Burnham to take a harsher stance on Israel, including imposing sanctions, and described the march as sending a "powerful message" to the next prime minister, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.

Andy Burnham

Burnham stated he was sorry for Labour's early response, supported further sanctions on Israelis involved in violence, and condemned increased antisemitism in Britain, saying that tackling antisemitism did not contradict holding the Israeli government to account, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.