Exclusive

Israel 'has the right' to withhold power and water from Gaza, says Sir Keir Starmer

11 October 2023, 09:16 | Updated: 11 October 2023, 14:05

Keir Starmer joins Nick Ferrari at Breakfast | Watch Again

By Asher McShane

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has decried the actions of Hamas as ‘terrorism’ and said Israel has the “right to defend herself.”

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Speaking to Nick Ferrari from the Labour Party conference, Sir Keir told LBC: “Hamas’ actions are terrorism and Israel has the right to defend herself.

“Israel has the right to do everything it can to get those hostages back safe and sound. Hamas bears responsibility,” he added.

He said the world has “obviously” witnessed terrorist acts carried out by Hamas.

He also said “Israel has the right” to withhold power and water from Palestinian civilians. “Obviously, everything should be done within international law," he added.

“I’d call on all responsible states to call this out for what it is in utterly condemning these actions from Hamas,” he added.

Read more: Slaughter of the innocents: Israel vows to 'wipe out' Hamas after '40 babies and children massacred' in Kfar Aza

Read more: Israeli woman Inbar Lieberman, 25, hailed a hero for leading defence of Nir Am kibbutz against advancing Hamas

Israeli soldiers carry away the body of a murdered civilian from the Kfar Aza kibbutz
Israeli soldiers carry away the body of a murdered civilian from the Kfar Aza kibbutz. Picture: Getty

He said that long term a peaceful solution must be found, and talks around a two-state solution need to resume.

“What Hamas has done is push that further away, and deliberately so,” Sir Keir added.

Sir Keir also said waving a Palestinian flag on the streets could be an issue depending on the circumstances.

He told LBC: "It's very important that at times like this we don't conflate peaceful discussion of Palestinian issues with Hamas.

Smoke billows over Gaza city after Israel launched multiple airstrikes in retaliation for this weekend's attacks
Smoke billows over Gaza city after Israel launched multiple airstrikes in retaliation for this weekend's attacks. Picture: Alamy

"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."

His comments come as Israeli warplanes targeted neighbourhood after neighbourhood in Gaza overnight in retaliation for the deadly attack by Hamas on the weekend.

Hamas terrorists killed civilians including 40 children at one kibbutz in southern Israel
Hamas terrorists killed civilians including 40 children at one kibbutz in southern Israel. Picture: Getty

Israel has stopped entry of food, fuel and medicine into Gaza, and the sole remaining access from Egypt shut down on Tuesday after airstrikes hit the border crossing.

The war, which has claimed at least 2,100 lives on both sides, is expected to escalate.

Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza are still holding about 150 soldiers and civilians hostage, according to Israel. Israel could launch a ground assault into Gaza.

360,000 military reservists have been called up by Israel.

New exchanges of fire over Israel's northern borders with attackers in Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday pointed to the risk of an expanded regional conflict.

Rescue officials in Gaza said "large numbers" of people were still trapped under the remnants of flattened buildings, with rescue equipment and ambulances unable to reach the area.

On Tuesday afternoon, Hamas fired barrages of rockets toward the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon and Tel Aviv. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

On Tuesday night, a group of attackers entered an industrial zone in Ashkelon, sparking a gun fight with Israeli troops, the military said. Three Hamas were killed, and troops were searching the area for others.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Just Stop Oil have protested Trump's election win

Just Stop Oil sprays orange paint on US embassy after historic Donald Trump election win

UK house prices set to soar '25 per cent’ over the next five years

UK house prices set to soar by '25 per cent’ over the next five years

Kemi Badenoch attacked Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy over comments about Trump

Badenoch calls for Labour to apologise for Trump comments in first PMQs as Tory leader

William has praised Kate in a new health update.

Prince William praises 'amazing' Kate as he gives health update following her cancer treatment

An Asda security guard has been stabbed

Asda security guard stabbed in supermarket attack as police launch manhunt for knifeman

GP who tried to murder mother's partner with fake Covid jab while dressed as nurse jailed for 31 years

GP who tried to murder mother's partner with fake Covid jab while dressed as nurse jailed for 31 years

World leaders have congratulated Donald Trump

World reacts to Donald Trump's 'historic election victory' and return to the White House

'I'm sick of you!': Kamala Harris' celeb supporters react after Donald Trump claims US election victory

'I'm sick of you!': Kamala Harris' celeb supporters react after Donald Trump claims US election victory

U.S. Secret Service agents remove Donald Trump from the stage with blood on his face during a campaign rally shooting

Donald Trump says he survived assassination attempt 'for a reason'

Donald Trump has declared victory in the 2024 presidential election

Donald Trump storms to historic victory over Kamala Harris in 2024 US presidential election

Inside Trump's Mara-A-Largo election night party as Musk, Farage and UFC boss kick off celebrations

Inside Trump's Mar-a-Lago election night party as Musk, Farage and UFC boss kick-off early celebrations

The crash happened on a residential road in Manchester

Six people injured in hit and run crash on suburban Manchester street in Bonfire Night horror

U.S. Senators Taking Oath in Impeachment Trial

Republicans seize control of the Senate for the first time in four years in major blow to Democrats

Supporters react to election results

Tears and trauma at Kamala Harris election night party - as Trump lead starts to strengthen

Donald Trump appears to be on track for a sensational return to the White House - after winning the swing state of North Carolina.

Trump on track for White House after winning North Carolina in first big swing state result of US election

2024 Republican National Convention: Day 3

Donald Trump Junior says he will flee America if his father loses election