Starmer: No tears for Sinwar, pushes for ceasefire, diplomacy

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said no one should mourn the death of Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader, holding him responsible for the bloodshed in the region.

Speaking during a visit to Berlin, Starmer said, “On his hands is the blood of innocent Israelis, killed on 7 October and over years of terror. And also the blood of Palestinian people who suffered in the chaos and violence that he sought and celebrated.”

While reiterating his support for Israel’s right to self-defence, Starmer stressed that there is no military solution to the conflict, advocating instead for diplomacy.

“Now we must make the most of this moment… a ceasefire in Gaza, immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, immediate access to humanitarian aid, and a return to the path towards the two-state solution,” he urged.

In a stern warning to Israel, Starmer emphasised that the global community would no longer tolerate delays in humanitarian assistance, adding that the UN Relief and Works Agency (Unrwa) must be allowed to continue its critical work.