Keir Starmer called for an end to fighting in the Middle East in a statement on the anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel. The UK prime minister called for a return of the remaining hostages in Gaza, speaking of the 'agony' the families have endured. He also urged regional actors to 'step back from the brink', a week on from Iran's missile attack on Israel after the assassination of Hezbollah's leader. The attack by Hamas one year ago killed nearly 1,200 people, according to Israeli government figures, including hundreds at a music festival near the Israel-Gaza border. The subsequent Israeli offensive into Gaza has killed nearly 42,000 people, most of them civilians, and injured almost 97,000, according to health authorities in the territory
