British Prime Minister-designate Andy Burnham has apologized for the Labour Party's initial response to Israel's military assault on Gaza, acknowledging that the party's position caused "huge hurt" and admitting that Labour was too slow to call for a ceasefire.

Burnham said Labour had failed to respond adequately to the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza during the early stages of Israel's military campaign.

"Labour's initial response to the treatment of Gaza caused huge hurt. We got it wrong and I am sorry for that," Burnham said.

He added that the party "needs to do better" and pledged a stronger approach under his leadership.

"I know that many people feel that at the start of Israel's military action in Gaza, my party didn't get it right, and I am sorry about that," Burnham said.

"The response has too often not been good enough. We need to do better. The UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire."

Burnham had been among several senior Labour figures calling for a ceasefire as early as late October 2023, at a time when then-Labour leader Keir Starmer backed only temporary humanitarian pauses rather than an immediate end to hostilities.

Starmer faced widespread criticism after suggesting in an October 2023 interview that Israel had the right to cut off electricity and water supplies to Gaza, remarks later clarified by his office as referring to Israel's general right to self-defense under international law.

Labour did not officially support an immediate humanitarian ceasefire until February 2024, months after Israel's military offensive had devastated much of the Gaza Strip and resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties.

Burnham praised several measures adopted by the Labour government since taking office, including the recognition of the State of Palestine, sanctions against Israeli ministers and extremist settlers, and restrictions on arms export licenses to Israel.

However, he argued that further action is necessary to hold Israel accountable.

"We need to strengthen our approach to ensure the Israeli government adheres to international law and to keep the prospect of a two-state solution alive," he said.

Burnham accused the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of violating the US-brokered ceasefire agreement and attempting to undermine any future Palestinian state.

"Netanyahu's government is clearly attempting to make a two-state solution impossible," he said, calling for additional sanctions and a ban on trade involving goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The remarks were welcomed by several Labour lawmakers. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting described Burnham's statement as "extremely welcome," while Labour MP Rupa Huq said it was "high time" the party acknowledged its earlier shortcomings.

Burnham also reiterated his condemnation of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and denounced antisemitic incidents in the United Kingdom, while emphasizing the need for a more principled British response to the suffering of Palestinians.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has drawn growing international scrutiny, with multiple United Nations reports accusing Israel of committing war crimes that may amount to genocide during its military campaign. Israel has repeatedly rejected those allegations, insisting its operations are conducted in accordance with international law. (ILKHA)