Britain's Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband released a video statement marking the first anniversary of the October 7, 2023 massacre, expressing solidarity with Israel and condemning Hamas in unequivocal terms.
Miliband, a Jew serving in the senior ranks of the Labour government, described October 7 as "the worst attack on Israel in its history," in which over 1,200 people were murdered and 251 taken hostage.
In his statement, the Foreign Secretary wove in personal testimony he had heard from relatives of victims and hostages, including Sharon Lifshitz and Magen Inon. Those conversations, he said, illustrated "the deep wounds" the attack left on families and Israeli society, alongside the deep yearning for peace shared by many Israelis and Palestinians.
On behalf of the British government, Miliband offered condolences to bereaved families, including British citizens who lost loved ones in the attack and the fighting that followed. He closed with a firm declaration: "Britain stands unequivocally against Hamas, against their antisemitic and murderous ideology, and against all those who seek the destruction of Israel and its people. We will continue to do everything in our power to fight terror and hatred, and to advance the pursuit of peace."
Miliband's full statement:
"Today we mark the anniversary of the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists committed the most appalling acts against the people of Israel. Over 1,200 people were murdered, the worst attack on Israel in its history.
Parents, children, brothers, sisters, innocent people of all ages were murdered in cold blood, and 251 people were taken hostage.
On Sunday, I had the privilege of hearing testimony from relatives who lost loved ones, Sharon Lifshitz and Magen Inon. Both spoke very movingly about the deep wounds that October 7 left for them and for so many Israelis. And both also spoke about their deep yearning for peace that many Israelis and Palestinians share.
On behalf of the British government, I want to offer my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones on October 7, including many here in Britain with family and friends in the region. I send my solidarity to the people of Israel on the anniversary of this terrible massacre.
The British government stands unequivocally against Hamas and against their antisemitic and murderous ideology, and against all those who would seek the destruction of Israel and its people. We will continue to do everything in our power to fight terror and hatred, and to advance the pursuit of peace."
