On the anniversary of the 7 October attacks on Israel, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed deep sorrow and grief, urging for the “immediate and unconditional” release of hostages still held in Gaza. Speaking in the House of Commons, he praised the “dignity and determination” of the families affected by the hostage crisis, acknowledging that “their pain is as acute today as it was a year ago.”
The attacks, carried out by Hamas gunmen, resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 250 individuals, including a British-Israeli woman. Currently, 97 hostages remain unaccounted for, including Mandy Damari, a 28-year-old woman whose mother, speaking at a London event, described the “living hell” of uncertainty surrounding her daughter’s fate. She implored the British government to intensify efforts for the hostages’ release, questioning why her daughter, among others, has not yet been freed.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy also attended the event, reflecting on the significance of the day. He described 7 October as the “worst attack on the Jewish community since the Holocaust.” The subsequent Israeli government response has included an invasion of Gaza aimed at freeing hostages and dismantling Hamas.
In the aftermath of the attacks, incidents of hate crimes against both Jewish and Muslim communities in the UK have increased, inflaming tensions within society. During his statement, Sir Keir affirmed that the government would stand with all communities in the UK against any form of hatred directed at Jews or Muslims.
Addressing the broader impact of the ongoing conflict, Sir Keir emphasized the devastation experienced by individuals in the region. He noted, “Nobody in this House can truly imagine what it feels like to cower under the bodies of your friends, hoping a terrorist won’t find you,” and highlighted the profound loss endured by those who have seen their homes and communities obliterated.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to pursuing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, aiming for a long-term diplomatic solution that ensures security for Israel while also advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with nearly 42,000 Palestinians reported dead amid continued violence, including recent Israeli bombings in Lebanon, where Hezbollah has intensified its rocket attacks in support of Hamas.
