A dispute arises within the Labour party regarding a violent attack by Hamas. A frontbencher is photographed alongside a group that accused Israel of being responsible for the violence, while left-wing backbenchers attend a conference event with the Palestinian ambassador. This occurs after Rachel Reeves advises protesters to avoid the gathering.
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Labour was embroiled in a major internal row over Hamas’s bloody attack on Israel tonight after a member of Keir Starmer’s frontbench was pictured posing with hardline Palestinian activists.
Shadow business minister Afzal Khan apologised after visiting the Labour conference stand of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which issued a statement in the aftermath of the slaughter of civilians and hostage-taking suggesting it was the consequence of Israeli violence.
The most recent Labour politician to be photographed with the group and its banner, which accuses Israel of ‘apartheid’, is now being criticized. However, backbencher Apsana Begum faced no consequences for doing the same thing last Saturday.
Simultaneously, supporters of the former party leader Jeremy Corbyn from the left-wing backbench attended a conference in Liverpool where the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot, was present. Zomlot expressed his remorse over the Hamas violence, which has resulted in the deaths of numerous individuals.
The Unite union organized an event where John McDonnell, the former shadow chancellor, and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, a former shadow immigration secretary, were the speakers.
Ms Ribeiro-Addy, the Member of Parliament for Streatham, expressed her disapproval of the violence and loss of life from both parties. She then advocated for peace talks, stating that the notion of this weekend’s events disrupting or harming ongoing peace negotiations is false. In fact, she clarified that genuine peace talks have not taken place for several years.
It came after shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves has urged pro-Palestinian demonstrators who protested outside the event to stay at home, saying the party backed Israel’s fight against the ‘terrorist threat’ of Hamas.
During her interview on the News Agents podcast, she expressed that Israel experienced a terrorist attack over the weekend resulting in casualties and hostage situations. She emphasized that Israel, like any other independent nation, has the legitimate right to protect itself from terrorists.
Greg Hands, the chairman of the Tory party, raised concerns about Sir Keir Starmer’s inaction towards individuals who use the term ‘apartheid’ in reference to Israel.
Shadow business minister Afzal Khan apologised after visiting the Labour conference stand of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. He is the latest labour politician to pose with the group and its banner accusing Israel of ‘apartheid’ , with backbencher Apsana Begum avoiding censure for doing the same thing on Saturday.
John McDonnell, the former shadow chancellor, and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, a former shadow immigration secretary, spoke at the event organised by the Unite union attended by the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot (left)
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, the Member of Parliament for Streatham, expressed strong disapproval of the violence and loss of life on both sides. She then urged for peace negotiations, stating that claims of the weekend’s events disrupting or harming peace talks are untrue. In fact, there have been no genuine peace talks for years.
It came after shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves has urged pro-Palestinian demonstrators who protested outside the event to stay at home, saying the party backed Israel’s fight against the ‘terrorist threat’ of Hamas.
This afternoon, a protest called ‘Boycott Israeli Apartheid’ took place outside the conference venue.
Mr. Zumlot claimed that six members of his family lost their lives today due to an Israeli attack, while also accusing the nation of committing a ‘war crime’ by depriving Gaza of water and electricity.
At a Labour and Palestine event during the party conference, he shared, “Before coming here, I received devastating news that I lost six of my family members in Gaza just two hours ago due to an Israeli bombardment on their home. It deeply saddened me.”
He mentioned that one of his relatives, along with two of her kids, passed away. He also stated, “The whole family, including her spouse and their mother-in-law, was completely devastated.”
He mentioned that Israel is seeking retaliation for the Hamas atrocity, despite condemning the act of killing innocent civilians.
The current actions of Israel can be described as an act of retaliation. It is purely driven by a desire for revenge.
“I cannot reword”
A member of the Labour party’s leadership team has expressed regret for taking a picture in front of a Palestinian flag with the message ‘end apartheid now’.
Shadow minister for exports, Mr Khan, issued an apology this afternoon.Manchester Gorton MP saying: I strongly denounce the acts of terrorism committed by Hamas and stand in favor of Israel’s justified right to protect itself.
The image is believed to have been captured on Sunday but shared on the internet by PCS today.
Greg Hands, the chairman of the Tory party, expressed his doubts about when Sir Keir Starmer will initiate any actions.
Earlier today, a single individual who supports Israel confronted pro-Palestine supporters who were defending Hamas. This occurred during a demonstration outside the Labour party conference.
During intense moments, a member of the Labour party confronted approximately 100 demonstrators who were waving flags, expressing that they were supporters of murder and should feel ashamed.
The crowd expressed their disapproval by booing, chanting ‘racist Israel’, and calling for his removal by the police. However, the officers declined to comply with their request.
Speakers at the event outside the secure conference zone had defended the incursion into Israel, which has left hundreds of civilians dead. There were banners from the Liverpool Friends of Palestine, which is not affiliated to the Labour Party.
Stuart, a self-proclaimed Labour member, addressed the crowd, accusing them of endorsing ‘murderous barbaric individuals’. He emphasized that their actions were inappropriate, particularly considering the recent tragic events involving the loss of innocent lives.
You are causing harm to others, and you should feel ashamed of your actions. It would be better if you took a step back and allowed this situation to resolve itself. It is truly repulsive.
Former leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, faced potential backlash as he implied that the Hamas attacks are primarily motivated by Israel’s ‘occupation’.
Stuart, a self-proclaimed Labour member, addressed the crowd, accusing them of backing ‘murderous barbaric individuals’. He emphasized that their actions were inappropriate given the recent tragic events involving the loss of innocent lives, particularly children.
Speakers at the event outside the secure conference zone had defended the incursion into Israel, which has left hundreds of civilians dead.
The presence of banners from the Liverpool Friends of Palestine was noticeable, as they are not connected to the Labour Party.
Stuart, a self-proclaimed Labour member, addressed the crowd, accusing them of backing ‘murderous barbaric individuals’. He emphasized that their actions were inappropriate given the recent tragedy involving children.
Jeremy Corbyn has sparked further anger by implying that the Hamas attacks are primarily driven by Israel’s ‘occupation’.
The ex-Labour leader declined to specifically condemn the terrorist group, stating his opposition to ‘any form of violence’.
During a heated conversation with reporters at the party’s conference in Liverpool, Mr. Corbyn expressed his belief that the resolution to the ‘terrible situation’ would involve putting an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestine.
Left-wing activists projected the Palestinian flag onto the venue for the World Transformed festival, which coincides with the Labour gathering but is not officially affiliated.
Husam Zomlot, who leads the Palestinian Mission in the United Kingdom, is anticipated to be present at a reception during the conference tomorrow evening. Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy will also be in attendance.
“I cannot reword”
When questioned about his statement, the shadow chancellor Ms Reeves expressed her strong disapproval on Monday during an interview with Sky News. She expressed her distress regarding the remarks made about Israel and the unacceptable attacks on civilians, festival attendees, and the children who have been held captive.
“At this moment, Keir (Starmer), David, and I, along with the entire Labour Party, express our unwavering support for the people of Israel.”
Yesterday, Mr Corbyn caused outrage by failing to condemn Hamas when addressing the killing of civilians and hostage-taking in Israel.
The Member of Parliament is currently serving as an independent, having been expelled from the Labour party in parliament due to his handling of antisemitism during his time as leader. However, he still maintains his membership within the party.
Left-wing activists projected the Palestinian flag onto the venue for the World Transformed festival, which coincides with the Labour gathering but is not officially connected.
It is believed that he does not possess a pass for the main conference.
Mr. Corbyn expressed his desire for peace, a cessation of hostilities, and a systematic approach to bring an end to the Israeli control over Palestine.
After being asked multiple times if he would condemn Hamas, he stated that he does not endorse any attacks and thus criticizes them all.
He informed ITV News that the ‘Palestinian occupation’ was essentially the underlying cause of the entire matter.
During The World Transformed festival, which aligns with the Labour conference, Mr. Corbyn expressed his collaboration with individuals worldwide to achieve peace.
He stated: ‘I not only condemn acts of violence worldwide, but I also analyze the underlying causes.’
Regarding the ongoing “unfortunate state of affairs in Israel and Palestine,” he expressed his belief that the resolution lies in ceasing Israel’s occupation of Palestine.
Keir Starmer promptly condemned the unexpected assault by Hamas, involving numerous rockets launched towards Israel from various locations on land, sea, and air, labeling it as a ‘terrorist attack’.
In a statement, he expressed that Labour firmly supports Israel’s right to safeguard itself, rescue hostages, and ensure the safety of its citizens.
‘The indiscriminate attacks from Hamas are unjustifiable and have set back the cause of peace.’
David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary, stated that he would not hesitate to label Hamas as a terrorist group without sugarcoating his words.
At a conference fringe event, he stated that Labour is still dedicated to resolving the conflict in the Middle East through a two-state solution.
Hamas is attempting to undermine and break the peace by resorting to acts of terrorism and launching rockets.
Since 2007, Hamas, an Islamic armed organization, has been in control of the Gaza Strip, a region that has been subjected to an Israeli blockade.
Hamas, supported by Iran, is classified as a terrorist group by the United Kingdom, United States, and the European Union.
Yesterday, Mr Corbyn caused outrage by failing to condemn Hamas after the killing of innocent civilians and the act of taking hostages in Israel.