UK Labour sparks backlash after dropping 'pro-Palestine' candidate Faiza Shaheen

The UK Labour Party deselected candidate Faiza Shaheen for liking several social media posts including ones which touched upon Israel and Palestine.

The move sparked major controversy with social media users accusing the party of purging candidates critical of Israel.

Shaheen, who was due to stand for Labour in the London seat of Chingford and Woodford Green, revealed on Wednesday that she was in a state of shock after receiving an email saying her candidacy had been blocked. 

"How am I not allowed to talk about my experiences of Islamophobia and the double standards I've seen - and that we see with Diane Abbott?" Shaheen said, referring to an ongoing row about whether another Labour MP would be allowed to run for her own seat in London.

Hundreds of people took to social media to defend Shaheen, who has been vocal in her support of a ceasefire amid Israel's ongoing war on the Gaza Strip, arguing that the party was intentionally expelling candidates who are left-wing and pro-Palestinian.

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UK: Labour drops 'pro-Palestine' candidate Faiza Shaheen, sparking backlash