Labour Muslims condemn Starmer’s take on Israel’s actions in Gaza
The Labour Muslim network has condemned UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for going against Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s statement that Israel’s blockade of Gaza breached international law, the Middle East Eye reported on March 18th.
On March 17th, Lammy said the lack of aid into Gaza “is a breach of international law. Israel quite rightly must defend its own security. But we find the lack of aid- it’s not been 15 days since aid got into Gaza – unacceptable”.
Starmer’s spokesperson later said the UK government views Israel’s action regarding Gaza as being “at clear risk” of a violation.
Starmer’s comments come unfortunately timed. On the morning of March 18th, over 400 Palestinians were killed by Israeli attacks. The pre-existing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas destroyed in one of the bloodiest acts in the conflict.
The Labour Muslim Network (LMN) responded: “The horrific and barbaric attacks by Israel on innocent civilians overnight in Gaza are yet another flagrant disregard of international and humanitarian law.”
Furthermore, the LMN termed this reversal “shocking” and “disgraceful.” They insisted no British government should preserve alliances with Israel, which they claim continually disregards international law.
Oxfam chief executive, Halima Begum, condemned the comments from the Prime Minister. Begum said: “The UK government must condemn these crimes in the strongest terms immediately and stop its complicity in this catastrophic crisis.”
The Council for Arab-British understanding said Starmer’s comments “undermines the government’s claims that it respects international law and exposes a clear chasm between the Prime Minister and his Foreign Secretary.”
Middle East Eye
