Andy Burnham, a leading contender to become the next UK prime minister, has apologized for the Labour Party’s initial response to Israel’s military operation in Gaza. In a video message posted on social media platform X, Burnham said the party’s early position on the Israeli attacks was wrong and should have been handled better. He acknowledged that many people were hurt by Labour’s reaction and expressed regret for the delay in calling for a ceasefire.

Burnham, expected to assume the premiership later this month, had previously called for a ceasefire in late October 2023, a stance that caused friction with Labour leader Keir Starmer, who at the time supported only short humanitarian pauses. Burnham described the loss of life and humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a “wound on our collective conscience.”

He praised recent Labour government measures such as recognizing the State of Palestine, sanctioning Israeli ministers and settlers, and restricting some arms exports to Israel. Burnham urged stronger action to ensure Israel complies with international law and to preserve the two-state solution, criticizing illegal settlements and calling for a full trade ban with them.