FT News Briefing Israel’s hostage dilemma
Oct 11, 2023
Sir Keir Starmer aims to win back disenchanted Conservatives with promises of national renewal. The delicate situation surrounding Israel's hostages raises ethical and strategic questions for national security. Meanwhile, the EU reviews its funding for Palestinian territories amid ongoing tensions after Hamas’s attack. The interplay between military action and humanitarian concerns complicates Israel's negotiations for hostage releases, highlighting a complex web of political maneuvers and security dilemmas.
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Starmer's Pitch
- Keir Starmer aims to win over disillusioned Conservative voters in the upcoming UK general election.
- He presented a vision of stability and hope at the Labour Party's annual conference.
Starmer's Challenge
- Starmer faces the challenge of attracting a significant number of Conservative voters to achieve a majority.
- This requires a larger swing than Tony Blair's 1997 victory.
EU Aid Under Review
- The EU is reviewing its developmental aid to Palestine after Hamas' attack on Israel, raising questions about the EU's funding strategy.
- The EU is the largest external donor to Palestine, providing significant developmental and humanitarian aid.