British PM's Sausages Slip-up in Speech on Gaza Hostages

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer inadvertently called for the return of "sausages" instead of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip during a party speech. The remark went viral and drew amusement, as Starmer quickly corrected himself.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer made an unfortunate gaffe during a speech at his party's conference on Tuesday, mistakenly calling for the return of "sausages" instead of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Starmer was speaking at the Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool when he called for a de-escalation between Lebanon and Israel, as well as a ceasefire in Gaza. He also called for the return of hostages when he made the slip-up, before quickly recovering.

British PM's Sausages Slip-up in Speech on Gaza Hostages

"I call again for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the return of the sausages—the hostages—and a recommitment to the two-state solution: a recognized Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel," he said.

The mistake quickly went viral, with many amused by the prime minister's blunder.

British PM's Sausages Slip-up in Speech on Gaza Hostages

During his remarks, Starmer was also heckled by a spectator in the audience who shouted about Gaza.

"This guy's obviously got a pass from the 2019 conference. We've changed the party," Starmer joked in response, Reuters reported. "While he's been protesting, we've been changing the party. That's why we've got a Labour government."

British PM's Sausages Slip-up in Speech on Gaza Hostages

Multiple hostages are still being held in Gaza nearly a year after the group attacked Israeli communities on October 7, sparking the latest conflict between Hamas and the Jewish state. Israel has proposed ending the war if Hamas releases the remaining hostages, along with the demilitarization of Gaza and the establishment of an alternative governing body. However, Hamas has rejected several offers to end the conflict.

Israel has bombarded Gaza and pledged to hunt down those responsible for the deadly attack. Meanwhile, it has also had to defend itself on a second front against shelling in its north from Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

British PM's Sausages Slip-up in Speech on Gaza Hostages

Israeli forces said they have continued to carry out dozens of airstrikes on Hezbollah targets within Lebanon and that artillery and tanks continue to hit targets close to the border.

The conflict has raised concerns about regional stability and the potential for a wider war. International efforts to mediate a ceasefire have so far failed.

The return of the hostages remains a key issue in the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The families of the hostages have called for their immediate release, while Israel has demanded assurances that they will not be used as bargaining chips in future conflicts.

The international community has also urged a quick and peaceful resolution to the hostage crisis. The United Nations has condemned the abductions and called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

The hostages issue is a complex one, with both sides holding different positions on the terms of their release. It remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved in the ongoing negotiations.