Sir Keir Starmer is confronting a furious backlash from within his own party, plunging Labour into a fresh crisis over the Middle East conflict. The upheaval follows a definitive statement from the UK Government that it does not believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
Ministerial Declaration Ignites Labour Civil War
Andrew Mitchell, the Deputy Foreign Secretary, delivered the bombshell assessment in the House of Commons. He explicitly stated that the government's position is that Israel is not breaching the Genocide Convention in its military campaign. This official stance directly contradicts the views of a significant and vocal segment of the Labour Party.
The minister further declared that Israeli President Isaac Herzog would enjoy immunity from arrest on UK soil for alleged war crimes during his upcoming official visit. Mr Mitchell emphasised this was standard diplomatic protocol for heads of state.
Starmer's Leadership Tested by Internal Revolt
The government's position has placed Sir Keir Starmer in an intensely difficult position. He is now facing a furious revolt from his own backbenchers and left-wing members who are demanding a much harder line against Israel.
Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy found himself cornered, forced to reiterate Labour's call for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" while navigating the party's deep internal divisions. This move is seen as an attempt to placate the growing anger from MPs and constituents alike.
Protest and Diplomatic Tension Loom
President Herzog's visit, intended to mark the 75th anniversary of UK-Israel relations, is now set to be overshadowed by significant protest and political turmoil. Pro-Palestinian groups are planning large-scale demonstrations, expecting to mobilise hundreds of thousands of people in London to voice their outrage.
This episode represents one of the most severe tests of Starmer's leadership to date, exposing the raw and unresolved tensions within Labour over foreign policy and international law. The party's unity is once again under threat as it grapples with its response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
