NEW DELHI: British Labour leader Keir Starmer on Sunday has expressed his support for a
lasting ceasefire
between Israel and
Hamas
. Starmer's statement comes ahead of a
parliamentary debate
on the ongoing conflict, which has caused divisions within the opposition party. With the upcoming election, Starmer is eager to present a united front to voters.
However, the situation in Gaza has tested the party's unity. Last year, a significant number of Labour lawmakers defied Starmer to support an immediate ceasefire, and the party recently withdrew support for a candidate due to his controversial comments about Israel.
This week, the
Scottish National Party
is expected to propose a motion in parliament calling for an immediate ceasefire. Starmer's foreign policy chief, David Lammy, stated that the party would carefully consider the motion before making a decision.
Speaking at the Scottish Labour conference, Starmer emphasized the importance of a lasting ceasefire, stating, 'What we all want to see is an end to the fighting, not just temporarily, but permanently. A ceasefire that endures is what is needed at this moment.' Starmer also highlighted the need for a balanced ceasefire that considers the interests of both parties.
It is worth noting that Starmer's recent remarks on a 'sustainable ceasefire' align with those of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Starmer's aides clarified that his statement does not indicate a change in position.
(With agency inputs)
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