During a speech at the Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a notable slip-up when he mistakenly called for the return of 'sausages' instead of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The incident occurred as Starmer was addressing the need for a de-escalation between Lebanon and Israel, as well as a cease-fire in Gaza.
Despite the gaffe, Starmer quickly corrected himself, emphasizing the importance of securing the release of the hostages. He reiterated his call for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution, advocating for a recognized Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.
During his speech, Starmer faced a moment of interruption when a spectator in the audience shouted about Gaza. In response, Starmer humorously acknowledged the disruption and highlighted the party's ongoing evolution and commitment to change.
Notably, multiple hostages remain in captivity in Gaza following an attack on Israeli communities by Hamas nearly a year ago. Israel has proposed ending the conflict by securing the release of the remaining hostages, demilitarizing Gaza, and establishing an alternative governing body. However, Hamas has rejected several offers to resolve the conflict.
Amidst the tensions, Israel has conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, responding to shelling from the Iran-backed group in the north. Israeli forces have continued to engage in military operations to address security threats along the border.
