Become a Member
News

Over 300 MPs condemn Hamas and voice support for Israel

Parliamentarians say they are united against Hamas’s 'unprovoked, surprise attack against Israel and its civilians'

October 8, 2023 17:26
Police station sderot
SDEROT, ISRAEL - OCTOBER 08: Israeli rescue members work at a police station that was destroyed after a battle between Israeli troops and Hamas militants on October 8, 2023 in Sderot, Israel. On Saturday, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched the largest surprise attack from Gaza in a generation, sending thousands of missiles and an unknown number of fighters by land, who shot and kidnapped Israelis in communities near the Gaza border. The attack prompted retaliatory strikes on Gaza and a declaration of war by the Israeli prime minister. (Photo by Amir Levy/Getty Images)
1 min read

MORE than 300 MPs and peers from all main parties have sent an unprecedented message of support to Israel’s President Isaac Herzog – including 12 members of the Cabinet and several Labour shadows, including David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary.

The message says they are “united in condemning Hamas’s unprovoked, surprise attack against Israel and its civilians” describing it as a “futile attempt to harm the movement for peace across the region as Israel and its Arab neighbours work jointly for a future of shared prosperity”.

It also points out “the violence has been indiscriminate with people of all faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds targeted,” adding: “As members of all of the UK’s main political parties we stand in solidarity with Israel and its right to self defence at this time of great need.”

 It is highly unusual for ministers and their opposition counterparts to sign a joint statement of this kind. It comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunnak and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly unequivocally condemned the Hamas terrorist attack and expressed backing for Israel.