Sir Terry Waite: Nelson Mandela figure needed to resolve Middle East conflict

Nov 9, 2023 by Jill

by Jamel Smith, The Independent:

The former hostage spoke about the Israeli-Hamas war after being honoured at Buckingham Palace.

Former hostage Sir Terry Waite has suggested a “Mandela figure” is needed to resolve the conflict in the Middle East.

Sir Terry, who spent almost five years in captivity after being kidnapped by Islamic terrorists in Lebanon, said warfare was not the answer and that those killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict were victims of “inadequate leadership”.

The 84-year-old humanitarian, who co-founded the charity Hostage International, which supports families of those taken captive, was speaking after being honoured by the King at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.

He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) for his services to charity.

Sir Terry told the PA news agency: “Warfare will not resolve this problem. It’s clear when warfare takes place it’s the innocent on both sides who suffer – the innocent in Israel and the innocent in Palestine.

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