Keir Starmer on Gaza Conflict
Keir Starmer's stance regarding the Gaza Conflict has seen a progression from the immediate aftermath of the October 2023 Hamas attacks through his premiership.
Initially, as Leader of the Opposition, Starmer strongly backed Israel's right to self-defence, leading to controversy when he appeared to endorse cutting off essential supplies, which he later clarified was not his intention.
Following his election as Prime Minister in 2024, his government continued to support Israel but also called for a ceasefire and committed humanitarian aid, eventually leading to the formal, conditional recognition of the State of Palestine in September 2025.
Timeline
- Starmer stated Israel had the 'right to defend herself' and 'the right to do everything it can' to secure hostages.
- Starmer suffered a significant backbench rebellion when he did not support an SNP motion for an immediate ceasefire.
- Starmer changed his position to call for a 'sustainable ceasefire' in Gaza, following government and Foreign Secretary shifts.
- As PM, Starmer's government suspended licences for some British arms sales to Israel due to a 'clear risk' of violating international law.
- Starmer issued a joint statement with Macron condemning Israel's offensive and called for an immediate stop to military operations.
- Starmer announced the UK would conditionally recognise the State of Palestine if Israel complied with ceasefire and aid conditions.
- The United Kingdom formally recognised Palestine as an independent state, fulfilling the conditional commitment.
Actions Taken
- Foreign Policy ActionSuspended 30 of 350 arms export licences to Israel due to potential breaches of international law.
- International Law ComplianceStated that Prime Minister Netanyahu would be arrested if he traveled to the UK following an ICC arrest warrant.
- Diplomatic CondemnationIssued a joint statement condemning Israel's renewed offensive and demanding an immediate halt to military operations.
- Diplomatic Policy ShiftAnnounced the UK would conditionally recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly.
Key Quotes
I think that Israel does have that right... obviously everything should be done within international law.
I was not saying that Israel had the right to cut off water, food, fuel or medicines.
We need to see an urgent need for a ceasefire, the return of hostages and an immediate increase in the volume of humanitarian aid.
We stand with Israel, and we stand with the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Criticism
Resigned in protest after Starmer's initial comments suggesting Israel had the right to impose a siege, including cutting off supplies.
Defied a three-line whip to vote for an SNP motion demanding an immediate ceasefire in November 2023.
Accused Starmer of siding with Hamas following the May 2025 joint condemnation, stating Starmer was on the 'wrong side of justice'.
Condemned the proscription of Palestine Action as infringing on freedom of speech following the group's vandalism of military aircraft.
Sources5
- During the Hamas-Israel War, Starmer emphasised his support for Israel...
- Starmer suffered his largest defeat as leader when 56 of his MPs (including ten frontbenchers) defied a three-line whip in voting for an SNP motion to support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
- In May 2025 Starmer issued a joint statement with Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney condemning Israel's renewed offensive against Gaza.
- On 29 July 2025, Starmer announced that the United Kingdom would conditionally recognise the State of Palestine...
- On 21 September, Starmer announced that the United Kingdom formally recognised Palestine as an independent state.
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.