E1 settlements 'cannot be allowed,' Israeli action unjustified by Oct 7., Burnham says at UN

"We have acted by banning trade in goods with illegal settlements, recognizing that the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory is unlawful," Burnham said.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the UN General Assembly that the construction of Israeli settlements in the E1 area of the West Bank "cannot be allowed to happen" in his address on Tuesday. 

Burnham cited the United Kingdom's recent sanctions against trade with the West Bank as an example of his administration's actions to back up its policy statements. 

"So we have acted by banning trade in goods with illegal settlements, recognizing that the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory is unlawful, and sanctioning those taking part in the construction of illegal settlements; we want to see the suffering and death finally come to an end," Burnham said.

Burnham condemned the October 7 massacre and said that the UK continues to condemn Hamas.

"We stand with Israel in the face of the ongoing threats, including from Iran against Israel and Jewish people around the world," he said.

Oct 7. does not justify Israeli government's actions, Burnham says

"But this does not justify the Israeli government's actions in Gaza or the West Bank," Burnham added, saying that the UK would not stand by while "the prospect of a two-state solution, the best hope for peace and stability for both nations, comes under attack."

"We want to see Israeli and Palestinian people living side by side in peace and security, and we will do all we can to keep the hope of that possibility alive," he said.