Labour calls for immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza for first time

Labour have called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza as the death toll from the Israeli invasion climbs above 28,000 and there are fears of the planned Rafah military action. 

Israel declared war on Hamas after the group led an attack on communities inside Israel, killing around 1,200 people. Several hundred Israelis were kidnapped and taken to Gaza. 

The Labour Party move comes after days of party debate on how to vote in Parliament on an SNP motion calling for a ceasefire. 

The party has shifted its official stance because, according to shadow foreign secretary David Lammy, the situation in Gaza has “evolved.” 

Lammy said Labour was  “mirroring the language” of the UN and the remaining members of the Five Eyes alliance – made up of the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada’s intelligence services.

On Tuesday, Labour tabled an amendment, which for the first time uses the phrase “immediate humanitarian ceasefire”, to the SNP’s ceasefire motion.

Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer has for some time been calling for the fighting to stop “now”.

It means that in practical effect Labour’s position is now much closer to the SNP’s – although Labour’s amendment emphasises more than the SNP’s the role of Hamas as well as Israel in bringing about a lasting ceasefire.

A party spokesperson said: “Our amendment calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, in line with our allies.

“We need the hostages released and returned. We need the fighting to stop now. We need a massive humanitarian aid programme for Gaza. And any military action in Rafah cannot go ahead.

“We want the fighting to stop now. We also have to be clear on how we prevent the violence starting up again. There will be no lasting peace without a diplomatic process that delivers a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state.”