Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy has come under fire from fellow MPs after he spoke about the suffering of Palestinians without directly condemning Hamas in a recent interview. The Labour MP's remarks have reignited debates over the UK's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Lammy's Controversial Remarks
During an appearance on Times Radio, Lammy emphasised the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but avoided explicitly naming Hamas as the instigator of recent violence. "We must recognise the immense suffering of Palestinian civilians," he stated, adding that "all human life is precious" in the conflict.
Political Backlash
Conservative MPs were quick to criticise Lammy's approach. Former Defence Secretary Liam Fox accused him of "moral equivalence," while other Tory backbenchers suggested the Labour frontbencher was failing to properly distinguish between Hamas militants and Palestinian civilians.
Labour's Delicate Position
The incident highlights the ongoing tension within Labour over Middle East policy. While leader Keir Starmer has taken a stronger line against Hamas, some shadow cabinet members continue to face scrutiny over their language regarding the conflict.
Humanitarian Focus
Lammy defended his comments, stressing that his priority was addressing civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation. "We cannot turn away from the devastating impact on ordinary families in Gaza," he later tweeted, without mentioning Hamas.
