11 October 2023 , 10:08
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Keir Starmer has spoken of his "deep concern" about his wife's family members living in Israel.
The Labour leader, whose wife Victoria is Jewish, said they have a "deep sense of shock" about the terrifying situation unfolding in the country following unexpected attacks by Hamas militants, which have claimed hundreds of lives. Mr Starmer said there are serious questions about how the acts of terror happened in the first place.
His wife has been at his side this week at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, but he said the unfolding tragedy in the Middle East has been weighing heavily. He told LBC: "We have extended family in Israel and this will be typical of many people in Israel, families, communities, they have a deep sense of shock at what is happening.
"Fear overladen with a real anxiety that somehow they felt that with the Israeli intelligence and security - they always know they are under threat - but they felt there was a protection there and there's huge anxiety that on this occasion that didn't seem to operate in the way that they wanted."
Mr Starmer said Israel had the right to besiege Gaza in response to Hamas's attacks, saying: "I think that Israel does have that right. It is an ongoing situation. Obviously everything should be done within international law, but I don't want to step away from the core principles that Israel has a right to defend herself and Hamas bears responsibility for the terrorist acts."
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He added his voice to calls for Wembley Stadium to light its arch with the colours of Israel's flag during England's friendly against Australia. Mr Starmer said: "I do think they should be on the arch because I think the message has to go out that we stand with Israel, the UK stands with Israel, and that is a manifestation of that support."
He added that waving a Palestinian flag on the streets could be an issue depending on the circumstances. The Labour leader said: "It's very important that at times like this we don't conflate peaceful discussion of Palestinian issues with Hamas.
"Now, the flags is a different situation. It really depends on the circumstances. If it's provoking or encouraging attacks that might be one thing, there might be other situations." He added: "What we have seen is attacks on Jewish communities in north London and I know first hand that's having a huge impact on Jewish communities, and not for the first time."
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