Ed Davey on 7th October one year on: “We must stand with the Jewish community against hate and violence”

EMBARGO: 00:01 Monday 7th October

Commenting on the one year anniversary of the 7th October terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

“As we remember the terror and pain of October 7th, we must all come together and stand in solidarity against hate and violence. One year ago, we awoke to those horrifying scenes in Israel of Hamas's brutal terrorist atrocities.

“When I visited Israel and Palestine a few months ago, I saw for myself the destruction and devastation at the Kfar Aza kibbutz and the festival site in Re’im. I met Itzik, a father waiting for news of his two sons, Yair and Eitan, who were taken hostage by Hamas terrorists. I pray for Yair and Eitan, and the 99 other people who are still held hostage. They should be at home with their loved ones, and we must do all we can to make that happen.

“Here in the UK, we need to stand with the Jewish community as we mark this awful anniversary. These past 12 months have seen a sharp rise in antisemitism in our country, and that is completely unacceptable. In the Middle East, we must continue to press for an immediate bilateral ceasefire to end the terrible cycle of violence, get the hostages out and bring about the lasting peace that will give Israelis and Palestinians the security they deserve.”

ENDS