Jewish Organizations Challenge Burnham's Gaza Remarks Amidst UK Policy Debate
WHO:
The Times of Israel - Andy Burnham, expected to be the UK’s next prime minister.
The Times of Israel - Britain’s Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council.
Al Jazeera - Andy Burnham, Labour politician and former Manchester Mayor.
Al Jazeera - Keir Starmer, outgoing Prime Minister.
Al Jazeera - Patrick Diamond, former senior policy adviser for the Labour government.
Al Jazeera - Tahani Mustafa, visiting fellow on the Middle East and North Africa programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations.
WHAT:
The Times of Israel - Burnham expressed “significant concerns” over Israel's treatment of Palestinians in Gaza.
The Times of Israel - Burnham stated, “It’s completely unacceptable that innocent Palestinians, including children, continue to be killed.”
The Times of Israel - The UK has seen a surge of antisemitic incidents since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
Al Jazeera - Burnham stated that the Labour Party “didn’t get it right” on the war on Gaza and “needs to do better.”
Al Jazeera - Burnham mentioned that more than 73,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.
Al Jazeera - Burnham apologized for the Labour Party's stance on Gaza, saying, “I am sorry about that.”
Al Jazeera - A YouGov poll found that 50 percent of the British public believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
WHERE:
The Times of Israel - Gaza Strip.
The Times of Israel - UK.
Al Jazeera - Makerfield constituency, UK.
WHEN:
The Times of Israel - Burnham is expected to be the only candidate in internal Labour Party elections to replace Keir Starmer, who announced he will step down.
Al Jazeera - Burnham re-entered Parliament in June by winning a by-election.
Al Jazeera - The Labour Party called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza for the first time in February 2024.
WHY:
The Times of Israel - The Jewish organizations urged UK leaders to “show the utmost care in their rhetoric” due to a surge in antisemitism.
Al Jazeera - Burnham criticized the Israeli government for its actions in Gaza, stating it is “clearly attempting to make a two-state solution impossible.”
HOW:
The Times of Israel - Burnham called for more pressure on the Israeli government regarding its treatment of Palestinians.
Al Jazeera - Burnham plans to work with international partners to keep the prospect of a two-state solution alive.
(UPDATED July 11, 2026 13:23 UTC)
Andy Burnham, the Labour politician and former Mayor of Manchester, is expected to be the UK’s next prime minister, succeeding Keir Starmer, who has announced his intention to step down. Burnham has expressed significant concerns over Israel's treatment of Palestinians in Gaza, stating that it’s completely unacceptable for innocent lives to be lost, and he has apologized for the Labour Party's previous stance on the conflict, acknowledging that they "didn’t get it right." He also emphasized the need for more pressure on the Israeli government and plans to collaborate with international partners to support the viability of a two-state solution.