Bernham condemns Hamas, criticizes Israeli actions in Gaza and announces trade measures on settlements

Prime Minister Andy Bernham condemned the October 2023 terrorist attack on Israel and said "we have condemned Hamas and we stand with Israel in the face of the ongoing threats." At the same time he criticized elements of Israel's conduct in Gaza and the West Bank, saying far too many people, including children, have died and too little aid is getting in.

Bernham said the UK had acted to ban trade in goods from "illegal settlements," describing recognition that "the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory is unlawful" and announcing sanctions on those taking part in construction of such settlements. He framed these steps as part of efforts to preserve the prospects for a two-state solution and warned that discussing such a solution without deeds would further erode public trust.