In the United Kingdom, the war between Israel and Hamas is causing tensions among Labor. Some are calling on their leader, Keir Starmer, to take a firmer stance by calling for an immediate ceasefire. What the Labor leader, given as the favorite to become the next Prime Minister, refuses for the moment.
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With our correspondent in London, Marie Boëda
It all started during an interview with Keir Starmer after the Hamas attack, where he suggested that Israel has the right to cut off water and electricity in Gaza. The criticism was quick, forcing the person concerned to respond. “ My words were misinterpreted “, retorted the Labor leader, whose line is that Israel has the right to defend itself. Keir Starmer also said that aid to Gaza was insufficient. He wants pauses in the conflict to allow humanitarians to do their work.
Not enough for 20 municipal councilors who have just resigned from the party. For one of them, Amna Abdullatif, from Manchester, Keir Starmer and other Labor members make comments “ horrible » and approve “ a war crime “. Around thirty deputies ask their leader to call for an immediate ceasefire. Like 150 Labor councilors, they wrote a letter to their leader.
Keir Starmer, well placed according to polls to become the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, maintains its position. The same as that of the Conservative government, in the name of unity in such serious circumstances.
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