Keir Starmer addressed the Scottish Labour conference in Glasgow, urging Israel to halt its military offensive in Gaza and not extend it to the city of Rafah. He emphasized the need for a permanent ceasefire and a significant increase in humanitarian aid to end the fighting and the killing of innocent Palestinians.
Starmer’s stance on the crisis has caused divisions within the Labour party, with pressure mounting ahead of a crucial Commons vote on a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire. The Labour leader has faced criticism for his cautious approach, but he remains committed to a sustainable ceasefire and a genuine peace process.
The Scottish Labour conference recently passed a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire on both sides, further intensifying the debate within the party. With another challenging vote in the Commons looming, Labour is eager to avoid a repeat of past rebellions and maintain a unified position on the issue.
Starmer’s call for a return to a “genuine peace process” and a two-state solution has been met with support from Scottish Labour members. However, the SNP has increased pressure on Starmer to back its motion for an immediate ceasefire, urging backbenchers to support the cause.
The SNP’s efforts to rally support for an immediate ceasefire have gained traction, with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar expressing willingness to work with the SNP to find a unified position in the UK parliament. The push for a unified message reflects the urgency of the situation and the need for a coordinated response to the crisis.
As the debate continues to unfold, it is clear that the crisis in Gaza remains a pressing concern for political leaders, with the need for immediate action to end the violence and pave the way for a lasting peace.
2024-02-18 17:23:53
Original from www.theguardian.com