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Keir Starmer facing pressure over Gaza stance

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has met Muslim MPs amid tensions over the party's stance on the Israel-Gaza war.

25 October 2023 · 22:01 UTC

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has faced pressure and criticism over the party's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. After appearing to suggest that Israel had the "right" to cut off water and energy to Gaza, he later clarified that he meant Israel had a right to self-defense.

This prompted criticism and resignations from some Labour councillors and MPs. More than 150 Muslim Labour councillors signed a letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and at least 30 Labour MPs, including former leader Jeremy Corbyn, have also backed calls for a ceasefire.

While some Labour members are calling for a policy shift, others argue that the conflict should not be a "resigning issue." Sir Keir's spokesman said he would support "specific pauses" to get hostages out of Gaza and aid in.