Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, faces mounting pressure from within his own ranks to adopt a stronger stance against Israel following the escalating conflict in Gaza. MPs are demanding more decisive action, citing what they describe as a genocide.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer characterized the situation as “appalling and intolerable,” reiterating his calls for an immediate ceasefire and hinting at further action, including potential sanctions against Israel.
However, this response failed to appease critics on the left of the Labour party, who are urging more forceful action against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government.
This pressure intensifies amidst reports of aid distribution centers in Gaza being closed due to Israeli military declaring access routes as “combat zones.” The Hamas-run Civil Defence Agency reported at least 27 Palestinian deaths near a distribution center on Tuesday, allegedly by Israeli fire. The IDF maintains that soldiers fired upon individuals deviating from designated access routes.
The UK’s Middle East Minister, Hamish Falconer, faced considerable backlash from Labour MPs, many wearing “stop arming Israel” badges. Falconer expressed his horror at the killings near aid sites, calling for an independent investigation and condemning Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza as inhumane.
Labour MPs, including Rosena Allin-Khan and Paula Barker, went further, demanding sanctions against Netanyahu and other Israeli officials, with Barker asserting that a failure to act decisively will result in historical condemnation for the government.
Several MPs explicitly accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Falconer responded that such a determination was a matter for a competent court, while expressing understanding for the MPs’ frustrations and promising further action if diplomatic efforts fail.
Israel maintains its actions are aimed at dismantling Hamas and recovering hostages, while vehemently denying genocide allegations—claims currently under review by the International Court of Justice. Calls are also growing, even from within the Conservative Party (including former attorney general Sir Jeremy Wright), for the UK to urgently recognize the state of Palestine.
Protests outside Parliament mirrored the calls from MPs, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (now independent), for an end to arms sales to Israel. Corbyn advocates for a public inquiry into UK involvement with Israel, proposing a draft bill supported by several left-wing MPs and representatives from other parties. While scheduled for debate, its passage without government support is unlikely.
While Falconer stated that the UK has suspended weapons directly for use in Gaza and ceased supplying F-35 parts directly to Israel, he justified continued supply to the global F-35 spare parts pool as necessary for NATO allies and the Ukraine war effort, a claim disputed by Corbyn and other critics.
The Liberal Democrats also advocate for a stronger government stance, with Sir Ed Davey urging Keir Starmer to push for UN-mediated humanitarian corridors in Gaza. Starmer responded that the government is actively working with allies on this issue.
Israel’s military operation began in response to Hamas’ October 7th, 2023 attack, which resulted in significant casualties and hostage-taking. Gaza’s health ministry reports over 54,607 deaths since the conflict began, with thousands more since the renewed offensive in March.
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