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Live Blog Update| Israel's genocide in Gaza

Outrage after Keir Starmer says Israelis were 'massacred' but Palestinians 'lost their lives'

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been criticised after publishing a statement on Wednesday night which welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza but recalled the "massacre of Jewish people" while saying that Palestinians "lost their lives".

The contrasting language used to describe Israelis and Palestinians killed in the conflict has been a constant source of scrutiny with activists arguing that the deaths of Palestinians are downplayed by media outlets and government.

Points of contention have been not mentioning the perpetrators of Palestinian deaths, which is invariably Israel, and also using the passive voice when talking about those killed.

Middle East Eye has contacted Downing Street to ask how the prime minister believed the Palestinians he referred to had died. At the the time of publication, Downing Street had not responded.

MEE also asked the Foreign Office whether it considered any party responsible for the death of Palestinians but has not received a response.

Read more: Outrage after Keir Starmer says Israelis were 'massacred' but Palestinians 'lost their lives'

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer pictured on 13 January 2025 (AFP)