Sir Keir Starmer has faced mounting pressure over his position on the Israel-Gaza conflict, as more than 150 Labour Muslim councillors signed a letter urging the party leadership to call for an immediate ceasefire. The Labour leader met with Muslim MPs amid tensions, with the meeting described as 'constructive' by a party source.
Starmer has been criticised since appearing to endorse Israel's right to cut off water and energy supplies to Gaza during an LBC interview on 11 October. He later clarified that he only meant Israel had a right to self-defence, but critics argue the clarification took too long. Oxford councillor Imogen Thomas, who quit Labour over the issue, described his comments as 'reprehensible'.
At least 19 Labour councillors have resigned from the party over Starmer's stance, including eight in Oxford, causing Labour to lose its majority on the city council. More than 30 Labour MPs and former leader Jeremy Corbyn have also backed calls for a ceasefire, while one anonymous frontbencher predicted the calls would become 'deafening' within a week.
Starmer has refused to call for a full ceasefire, instead supporting 'specific pauses' to allow hostage releases and aid deliveries. During Prime Minister's Questions, shadow equalities minister Yasmin Qureshi diverged from the leadership by accusing Israel of 'collective punishment' and demanding a humanitarian ceasefire. Starmer's spokesman declined to comment on potential disciplinary action.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also broke ranks, accusing Israel of a 'clear breach' of international law by withholding essential supplies. Starmer has not explicitly stated that Israel has broken international law but has stressed that it must be followed.
