In a moment of confusion at the Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool on Tuesday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made an awkward verbal slip-up, mistakenly calling for the return of “sausages” instead of hostages. The error occurred as Starmer addressed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, urging the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

“I call again for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the return of the sausages – the hostages – and a recommitment to the two-state solution: recognised Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel,” Starmer said, quickly correcting himself.

A video of the blunder quickly surfaced on social media, with many pointing out the unfortunate slip during a serious and tense speech. However, Starmer recovered quickly and continued to stress the need for de-escalation in the region. He reiterated calls for restraint between Israel and Hezbollah along the Lebanon border, urging all parties to avoid further escalation of the conflict.

The gaffe comes amid criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently accused Starmer’s government of sending “mixed messages” regarding its stance on the Israel-Hamas war. Netanyahu expressed concern that the UK’s response had softened under Starmer, contrasting it with the previous British government’s more unequivocal support for Israel.

Starmer, who became Prime Minister in July 2024 after Labour’s landslide victory over the Conservative Party, has faced pressure over his government’s calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and efforts to expedite humanitarian aid deliveries. The conflict, which escalated following Hamas’ October 7 ground offensive, has resulted in significant civilian casualties on both sides. Israel claims over 1,200 civilians were killed in the attack, while the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry reports more than 41,000 deaths in Gaza following Israeli airstrikes.