Labour leader Keir Starmer has resisted calls for a Gaza ceasefire, emphasizing the need for a humanitarian pause instead. Over 60 Labour MPs have called for a ceasefire, but Starmer believes his approach is more credible, allowing aid to enter Gaza and hostages to leave. He argues that a ceasefire would leave Hamas's infrastructure intact, potentially enabling future attacks.
The internal party conflict over the issue has seen some prominent figures like Mayors Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham, and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, deviate from the official party line. Additionally, Labour MP Andy McDonald was suspended over comments made at a pro-Palestinian rally.
Amnesty International and others have criticized Starmer's stance, urging him to support an immediate ceasefire. Conservative MP Paul Bristow was removed from his government role as a ministerial aide after calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.