On Hamas and the hostages

We unequivocally condemn Hamas’ terrorist attacks of October 7, which killed over 1,200 innocent Israelis and in which 253 hostages were taken. Many survivors remain traumatised by the use of sexual violence and the hostage situation represented an act of terrorism that cannot be justified under any circumstances. Hamas’ treatment of the hostages - both in captivity and during their release - was horrific, as has been the psychological torment they’ve inflicted on the hostages’ families. 

The Liberal Democrats firmly believe that Hamas should remain a proscribed terrorist organisation and that those responsible for the atrocities of 7 October 2023 are held to account.  

The Liberal Democrats also recognise that Hamas has been funded and directly supported by the Iranian regime. As funders and exporters of terrorism, the case for proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was clear. We supported the proscription of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. It was the right thing to do. And it has sent a strong signal to the Iranian regime that their continued funding of terrorist activities across the region will not be tolerated.

As a brutal terror organisation, Hamas can have no role in the future of Palestine. It is critical that both they and Netanyahu’s government agree a deal that sees them disarm and Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza. We must be clear-eyed about the ways this could still fall apart. We’ve seen Hamas renege on previous agreements - so it’s critical that the process for disarming the group can be properly monitored and effectively implemented.

We also need to see the Israeli Government fulfilling its obligations to withdraw from Gaza and flood the territory with humanitarian aid. We know that fear of Trump being “disappointed” will not be enough on its own to make that happen.

Andy Burnham needs to work with our international partners to make sure this isn’t just another false dawn.