UK PM: Oct. 7 does not justify 'Israeli' actions in Gaza, WB

• UK PM Andy Burnham stated at the UNGA that Oct. 7 does not justify 'Israeli' actions causing massive civilian deaths, particularly children.
• Burnham defended UK sanctions on West Bank settlements, framing them as essential actions to protect two-state viability.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivered an address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, vowing that the United Kingdom will not remain passive as civilian suffering expands across Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Addressing global leaders in New York, Burnham stated that while the October 7, 2023 attack on 'Israel' by Hamas was horrific, it cannot serve as a justification for the 'Israeli' military operations that followed.

"The Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas does not justify the 'Israeli' government's actions in Gaza or the West Bank. Far too many people have died, including so many children," Burnham told the General Assembly.
The prime minister emphasized that recent British sanctions targeting illegal 'Israeli' settlements in the occupied West Bank formally acknowledge the unlawful nature of the 'Israeli' occupation. He warned that international backing for a two-state solution will lose credibility without concrete action.

"We will not stand by as the horrific suffering continues to grow and the prospect of a two-state solution -- the best hope for peace and stability for both nations -- comes under attack," he added.

UK, US AI defense pact 

In addition to addressing the crisis in the Middle East, Prime Minister Burnham announced that the UK is establishing a new artificial intelligence (AI) defense partnership with the United States designed to protect critical national infrastructure.

Referencing recent warnings surrounding emerging technologies, Burnham stressed that fundamental decisions regarding AI are too critical to be left to chance.

Turning to European security and relations with Moscow, Burnham affirmed that Britain will remain "relentless" in building up its hard power and military deterrence. However, he emphasized that London will not match Moscow's hostile tone.

"Unlike Russia, we do not seek confrontation. Instead, we will be prepared but not panicked," Burnham said, adding that the UK "will not play Russia's game of trading escalatory rhetoric."
Burnham directly accused Russian agencies of amplifying far-right narratives online and revealed that British authorities possess evidence of Russian attempts to interfere in the UK's 2019 general election.

He disclosed that the Kremlin allocates approximately £1.3 billion ($1.7 billion) each year toward global information manipulation.

Concluding his address, Burnham pointed to Britain's deep existing ties with European Union partners, expressing his government's intent to further deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation across the continent.