The Labour Party has shifted its position to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, aligning itself with the UK’s allies. This comes after days of debate within the party on how to vote in Parliament on an SNP motion calling for a ceasefire.
Ten Labour frontbenchers quit in November to vote for the SNP’s previous call for a ceasefire, leading to internal tension within the party. However, Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said Labour’s change in position is due to the evolving situation in Gaza and the need to mirror the language of the UN and the remaining members of the Five Eyes alliance.
The party has now tabled an amendment emphasizing the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in line with its allies, a change from its previous calls for a “humanitarian pause” and an end of fighting “as soon as possible.” The amendment calls for the release of hostages, a cessation of fighting, and a massive humanitarian aid program for Gaza.
This shift in position reflects the increasing pressure on Labour to re-evaluate its stance on the conflict in Gaza, which has been ongoing since October. The Labour Party’s historic avoidance of the phrase “immediate ceasefire” led to a split in the party in November. However, the recent amendment is being seen as a slight hardening of Labour’s position towards Israel.
While the SNP motion calling for an immediate ceasefire is not binding on the government, it has prompted the government to put forward its own amendment calling for an immediate humanitarian pause. This move could expose further splits within the Labour Party, as MPs would be left with the choice of voting for the government’s position or the SNP’s stance.
The recent developments have also brought attention to Labour’s position on Gaza in the upcoming Rochdale by-Election, as well as the party’s decision to drop its parliamentary candidate over antisemitic comments made during a discussion about the conflict.
Overall, the shifting opinions within the Labour Party reflect the growing complexity and urgency of the situation in Gaza, and the need for a diplomatic process that delivers a lasting two-state solution. The party’s amendment is a response to the evolving nature of the conflict and the desire for a sustainable ceasefire that is observed by both sides.
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