UK’s Starmer Marks ‘Nightmare’ Two Years Since Hamas Attack on Israel

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday described the two years since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel—which sparked the ongoing war in Gaza—as a “living nightmare” for many.

Statement by Prime Minister Starmer

In a public statement, Starmer reflected on the impact of the attack: “Today we mark two years since the horrifying attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists on October 7th 2023… the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Since that awful day, so many have endured a living nightmare.”

He also pledged to continue efforts to bring home British hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

Casualties and Hostages

Starmer also welcomed the US peace plan, calling it a positive step “towards peace in the Middle East.”

Rising Antisemitism in the UK

Starmer highlighted growing concerns about antisemitism in Britain, noting that the anniversary came days after two Jewish men were killed in a Manchester synagogue attack:

• Victims: Melvin Cravitz (66) and Adrian Daulby (53)
• Incident: Car ramming and stabbing, occurring on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar

“This is a stain on who we are, and this country will always stand tall and united against those who wish harm and hatred upon Jewish communities,” Starmer said.

Commemorations and Protests

• On Sunday, around 3,000 people gathered in central London for a commemorative event, waving Israeli and Union Jack flags and holding posters of hostages.
• Multiple pro-Palestinian rallies and vigils are planned at UK universities on Tuesday, coinciding with the October 7 anniversary.
• Demonstrations continued over the weekend despite government appeals for restraint in the wake of the Manchester attack.