Keir Starmer is confronting a growing rebellion within the Labour Party over his stance on the Gaza conflict, with four shadow ministers prepared to resign in the coming days and up to ten others on 'resignation watch'. The Labour leader has refused to back calls for a ceasefire, instead advocating for a 'humanitarian pause' in hostilities.
Sources indicate that as many as a dozen shadow ministers are ready to quit rather than vote against a ceasefire motion. Labour MPs report immense pressure from party members and constituents to take a firmer stance against the Israeli invasion of Gaza, as tens of thousands prepare to join pro-Palestinian protests in London this weekend.
The rebellion follows the resignation of Imran Hussain on Tuesday night. A Labour frontbencher told the Guardian: 'My position has always been that the only way forward is a ceasefire. The pause will not solve the problem.' Another MP noted receiving over 600 emails on the issue, more than any other subject including Brexit and Covid.
Starmer angered many in his party last month when he suggested Israel had the right to withhold electricity and water from Gaza civilians, though he later clarified his remarks. The Palestinian death toll has now exceeded 10,000, and the Biden administration has warned Israel against reoccupying Gaza.
The Scottish National Party is considering forcing a vote on a ceasefire during next week's King's Speech debates. Labour whips have instructed MPs not to support such a motion, but several frontbenchers are willing to resign to do so. One said: 'The vote is going to be the moment. The death toll is far too horrific.'
A Labour spokesperson said: 'Labour fully understands calls for a ceasefire. Everybody wants to see an end to the bloodshed.' However, Starmer's position remains that a ceasefire would embolden Hamas, and he may only shift if the international community, led by the US, changes its stance first.
