The Middle East crisis was Starmer’s first big test – has he risen to the occasion?
The IndependentNormally, a foreign policy crisis afflicts a governing rather than an opposition party. And Israel must always have the right to defend her people.” His team believed the Middle East crisis underlined another contrast with the Jeremy Corbyn era – Starmer’s strength on national security – while Labour would no longer be seen as sympathetic to Islamist terror groups or allow any hint of antisemitism. The Labour leader replied: “I think Israel does have that right.” Although he added that everything should be done within the bounds of international law, his apparent approval for power and water to be cut off went viral, causing huge upset inside Labour and beyond; this misstep still haunts Starmer to this day. Last November, Starmer suffered his most serious internal revolt since becoming party leader, when 56 Labour MPs backed a Commons motion calling for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, going further than the official Labour position of a “pause” and a “humanitarian corridor”. In his conference speech, Starmer again called for “an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the return of the hostages, and a recommitment to the two-state solution: a recognised Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel”.
History of this topic
Starmer considering sanctions against Israeli cabinet members
The Independent
Keir Starmer urges Iran and Israel to 'step back from the brink' amid fears of a widescale conflict in the Middle East following overnight missile attacks - as ministers step up plans to evacuate Brit
Daily Mail
Britain Assures Israel of Security, as Middle East Tensions Escalate
Hindustan Times
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says Sir Keir Starmer's 'misguided' Labour party has 'undermined' his country: Jewish state's leader tells Mail UK arms embargo 'sends horrible message to Hamas' - as sec
Daily Mail
UK not to challenge ICC arrest warrant against Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu
Hindustan TimesUK drops plans to challenge ICC arrest warrant request against Benjamin Netanyahu
Associated Press
Will the UK’s policy on Israel-Palestine shift under new PM Starmer?
Al Jazeera
UK’s new PM Starmer says ‘urgent’ need for Gaza ceasefire
Al JazeeraNew British Prime Minister Starmer seeks to improve on ‘botched’ trade deal with European Union
Associated Press
Keir Starmer under growing pressure to back immediate Gaza ceasefire as Momentum launches campaign
The Independent
UK’s Starmer calls for a ‘ceasefire that lasts’ in Israel’s war on Gaza
Al Jazeera
How can Keir Starmer control the PR nightmare engulfing Labour?
The Independent
Politics latest news: Starmer follows Sunak's lead in calling for 'sustainable' Gaza ceasefire
The Telegraph
Sir Keir Starmer calls for ‘cessation of hostilities’ in Gaza despite pressure to demand ceasefire
The Telegraph
Blow for Starmer as frontbenchers resign over Labour leader’s refusal to back Gaza ceasefire
The Independent
Starmer facing frontbench rebellion in Gaza ceasefire vote
The Independent
Starmer reiterates position on Gaza ceasefire in wake of frontbench resignation
The Independent
Labour’s refusal to call for Gaza ceasefire derails UK opposition party
Al Jazeera
Labour frontbencher John Healey accepts Starmer’s approach to Israel-Hamas war has ‘caused hurt’
The Independent
Starmer says focus is on stopping Gaza suffering not on dissenting party members
The Independent
Starmer battles to maintain Labour discipline over Israel-Hamas war
The Independent
Sarwar: Starmer’s comments on Israel and Gaza ‘hurtful’
The Independent
Starmer urged by Muslim MPs to back Gaza ceasefire as he tries to cool tensions
The Independent
Sunanda K. Datta-Ray | Israel & Gaza: Use truce to find a lasting solution
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