David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary, endorsed by Labour leader Keir Starmer, accused Israeli officials of ignoring settler violence in the West Bank, which has led to the displacement of over 1,000 Palestinians since Hamas launched attacks on Israel on October 7.

Lammy slammed right-wing ministers for significantly investing in settlement endeavors, undermining the potential for a political resolution, while simultaneously reducing funding for the Palestinian Authority and escalating provocative rhetoric against Palestinians.

Labour has been divided on endorsing a ceasefire, but by aligning with US calls for action against radical settlers, Lammy presents a robust stance in defense of Palestinians that aligns with the positions of the US and UK governments on Israel’s conflict with Hamas.

In the Observer, Lammy calls on Rishi Sunak's administration to immediately ban travel for individuals involved in settler violence, emphasizing that under a Labour government, the eviction of Palestinians would not be tolerated.

This follows the U.S.'s recent initiative to ban travel for Jewish settlers linked to assaults on Palestinians in the West Bank, marking a notable and exceptional stand by Washington against Israeli actions.

Lammy, who visited a displaced Bedouin community in the West Bank, also criticized the escalating violence and forced evacuations, which have been described by Israeli activists as the most effective land annexation strategy since 1967.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens as the death count approaches 18,000 and the UN reports severe starvation amid the collapse of law and order. UN officials highlight that humanitarian operations in the region are no longer viable.

Despite global concern for Gaza’s civilians, the US vetoed a UN ceasefire resolution. The UK abstained, willing to support the motion if it had explicitly criticized Hamas.

Labour has suggested it would push for a UN resolution that could receive broader council support, aimed at ending the hostilities and easing Palestinian suffering.

As Israeli forces continue their offensive in Gaza, Haaretz published a study indicating that civilian casualties in the recent operation have escalated, reaching a civilian death rate of 61%, starkly higher than historical averages for conflicts worldwide.

The analysis and earlier investigations suggest that indiscriminate targeting in Gaza could not only fail to enhance Israel's security but could further jeopardize it by fuelling a desire for retaliation.

The high toll of civilian casualties has been a contentious issue for the Biden administration, which has insisted on the need for Israel to more carefully select military targets.

After the US vetoed a ceasefire resolution, human rights organizations condemned the American stance, arguing that by continuing arms sales and support to Israel, the US risks complicity in potential war crimes.

As the conflict persists, the casualty toll under Hamas’ governance has exceeded 17,700, with a substantial number of victims reported among women and children. Israel, meanwhile, reports the loss of 93 soldiers following Hamas's attack that initially killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians.