After pressure, UK Labour leader condemns violence against Palestinian protesters

UK Labour leader Keir Starmer has made a statement condemning Israel’s attacks on Palestinian worshippers, after days of lobbying from party activists.

“The violence against worshippers during Ramadan at the al-Aqsa Mosque was shocking,” he wrote on Monday evening.

“Israel must respect international law, and must take steps, immediately, to work with Palestinian leaders to de-escalate tensions.”

The Labour Muslim Network launched a petition on Saturday, which received over 3,000 signatures, urging opposition leaders to speak out against Israeli aggression and the planned evictions in Sheikh Jarrah.

The leader of the Labour Party has released a statement.

After 3,000+ Labour member signatures, 100s of Councillors & statements from over 50 MPs, @Keir_Starmer has addressed the ongoing situation in Jerusalem. https://t.co/9ErZiN9FiN
— Labour Muslim Network (@LabourMuslims) May 10, 2021

Reacting to Starmer’s statement, the advocacy group called on Labour to demand an end to “forced expulsions” in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood and a “halt to all arms sales” to Israel.