In his letter to the councillors, Starmer emphasized the need for immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, water, electricity, and medicine, to the people in the Gaza Strip.
He also reiterated the party's position, which includes calling for Hamas to release Israeli hostages and for all parties to act in accordance with international law to protect civilian life.
The resignations were prompted by Starmer's previous remarks in a radio interview where he appeared to suggest that Israel has the right to cut off power and water to Palestinians in Gaza, which sparked controversy and criticism within the party.
Some Labour councillors resigned in protest of these remarks, while others expressed their disagreement with Starmer's stance on the matter. Starmer's office has attempted to clarify his position, stating that he was emphasizing Israel's right to defend itself within international law rather than endorsing the cutoff of power and water.