- Sir Keir Starmer defends Gaza stance.
- Labour party division over ceasefire.
- Israel-Gaza conflict and protests.
A manifestation of the party’s division over this matter emerged when the leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, was leaving Chatham House this morning after delivering a speech. Demonstrators surrounded his vehicle.
Sir Keir Starmer denied that the Middle East war is “tearing” the Labour Party apart while opposing a Gaza ceasefire.
“Key issues,” such as how to end the suffering in Gaza and the necessity of a Palestinian state as part of a long-term solution, were, according to the Labour leader, essential for “unity” within the party.
After a speech, Sir Keir left Chatham House this morning with protesters around his car, refusing a Gaza truce.
The Labour leader heard pro-Palestinian demonstrators chanting as he left the building and got in his car.
Sir Keir stated that while he “understands” calls for a ceasefire, he does not believe it is the “correct position” to take (as he attempted to defuse tensions over his stance on the conflict). He disagreed with his shadow ministers and parliamentarians who supported a ceasefire.
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“A ceasefire always freezes any conflict in its current state,” he continued, adding, “That would leave Hamas with the infrastructure and capabilities to execute the type of attack that occurred on October 7.”
Attacks that continue to persist. Captives who ought to be freed are still being held. “Hamas would be incentivized to commence immediate preparations for future acts of violence.”
The Labour leader’s stance on Gaza, which has been to call for a humanitarian pause to enable more aid and support into the region but to reject a ceasefire with the intention of establishing a permanent solution, has sparked a mutiny within his party.
A number of prominent Labour figures, including Andy Burnham and Sadiq Khan, former mayors, Anas Sarwar, the leader of the Scottish Labour Party, and shadow ministers Yasmin Qureshi, Jess Phillips, and Imran Hussain, have backed a complete cessation of hostilities.
Khan: “The afflicted in Gaza require our assistance.”
He told Beth Rigby that he and Sir Keir agreed on “a multitude of issues in the Middle East,” including de-escalation of the conflict, humanitarian aid, and “the necessity of condemning Hamas unequivocally.”
However, he maintained his position on the ceasefire, adding, “Those suffering in Gaza require our support, and the most effective way to provide that support is through a ceasefire, in addition to providing humanitarian aid and essential supplies.”
Sir Keir declined to comment on whether senior figures would be held accountable for demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities. However, he stated that he “extremely seriously” upheld his responsibility to ensure collective responsibility.
Sir Keir banned Middlesborough MP Andy McDonald from the party for “deeply offensive” remarks at a pro-Palestinian protest. No shadow ministers or MPs have been disciplined for calling for a ceasefire as of yet.
Mr. McDonald stated, “Until we obtain justice, we will not relax. “Until all people, including Palestinians and Israelis, can coexist in peace and freedom from the river to the sea.”
Critics have deemed the pro-Palestinian protesters’ chant “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” to be antisemitic, with Home Secretary Suella Braverman stating that it is “widely understood” to mean a cry for Israel’s destruction.
However, the senior Labour MP clarified that his mention of the suspension was in “sincere desperation” for peace. Whereas former shadow chancellor John McDonnell characterised it as “illogical.”
Regarding Mr. McDonald, Sir Keir informed reporters that he could not “interfere” in the party process. But cautioned Labour MPs to use “extreme caution in their language.”
“No Blank Check” Issued to Israel
On October 7, Israel initiated a bombardment campaign against Gaza in response to an unexpected Hamas attack that claimed the lives of at least 1,400 Israelis, injured thousands more, and held more than 200 hostages.
The Hamas-run health ministry reports over 8,000 deaths in Gaza’s 25-mile strip since then. Israel has also launched a ground offensive and imposed a blockade on fuel, water, food, and other necessities.
Sir Keir stated that Israel’s right to self-defense is important, but international law is not a “optional extra.”
When queried about whether he believed Israel’s actions during the Gaza conflict complied with international law, he responded that it would be “impractical for politicians to sit in television studios or on stages like this and declare daily which actions may or may not be in accordance with international law.”
He stated that Israel “cannot obstruct the supply of fuel, water, electricity, and medicine to Gaza’s citizens.” And that “every precaution must be taken to protect civilians from bombardment.”
“Palestinians should not be compelled to abandon their homes en masse,” he continued.
“However, in situations where they are compelled to flee within Gaza, we require unequivocal assurances regarding their prompt repatriation.”
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