In London, British Muslims and scholars express dissatisfaction with the Labour government’s response to the Gaza conflict, despite the Prime Minister’s slightly firmer stance on Israel. Halimo Hussain, a 31-year-old diversity officer from Tottenham, who has consistently supported the Labour Party in elections, has decided to withdraw her support following the party’s stance on the conflict. Hussain criticized the Labour Party for its financial backing of Israel, equating it to complicity in genocide against Palestinians, and stated that she would never vote for them again.
Four months after Labour’s significant victory in the general election under Keir Starmer, the party has faced backlash from British Muslims who are discontented with its approach to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Starmer had previously stated that Israel had the right to defend itself and to restrict essential services in Gaza, leading to criticism and resignations within the party. Although Labour has adjusted its position, including calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and recognizing a Palestinian state, many believe these measures fall short.
Prominent Muslim leaders and organizations are urging the government to take stronger action. Joseph Willits from the Centre of Arab-British Understanding criticized the UK’s continued arms sales to Israel despite the ongoing violence, stressing that this undermines the UK’s credibility in advocating for international law. The latest data shows that over 43,000 Palestinians have been killed since the onset of the conflict.
Calls for a complete halt to arms sales to Israel have intensified, with over 100 Muslim councillors writing to Prime Minister Starmer. They emphasize the moral imperative to act against clear violations of international humanitarian law. Willits highlighted that the Labour government, while marginally better than the previous Conservative administration, still falls short by allowing arms exports that contribute to the conflict.
Experts, including international law professor Lawrence Hill-Cawthorne, argue that the Labour government must acknowledge its obligations under international law to actively work towards ending the violence in Gaza. He pointed out that the UK has previously imposed sanctions on nations like Iran and Russia and should consider similar actions against Israeli political and military leaders due to their inflammatory rhetoric and actions toward Palestinians.
Despite the calls for action and a more humane approach, the UK has yet to impose any sanctions against Israeli leaders, with concerns mounting over the Labour Party’s failure to take decisive steps in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
