Keir Starmer under pressure as Labour MP Imran Hussain resigns over refusal to back Gaza ceasefire | The Sun

A LABOUR frontbencher has resigned over Keir Starmer’s refusal to back a ceasefire in Gaza.

Shadow Minister for the New Deal for Working People, Imran Hussain, said he was “deeply troubled” over the Labour leader’s comments over the raging conflict.

It comes after Starmer refused to back a ceasefire during an LBC interview last month – insisting that Israel has the right to defend itself against terror group Hamas.

Bradford East MP Hussain claimed his former boss had “endorsed” the actions of the Israeli military.

In a letter addressed to Starmer, Hussain wrote: “The cutting of food, water, power and medicine to Palestinians in Gaza is an act of collective punishment that violates international law.

“Like many others, I was therefore deeply troubled by the comments you made.

“You appeared to endorse such actions by such actions by the Israeli military.”

The MP insisted he would continue to push for a ceasefire from the backbenches.

During an interview with LBC at Labour Party Conference last month, Starmer was asked if he supported Israel’s move to cut off food and supplies entering sieged Gaza.

He told presenter Nick Ferrari that Israel “has that right”, adding that “Hamas bears responsibility” for the consequences of the conflict.

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Just this week, Joe Biden said he asked Benjamin Netanyahu for a pause in fighting.

The US President reportedly called for a three-day pause to help secure the release of the hostages.

The White House previously said Mr Biden and the Israeli prime minister discussed "the possibility of tactical pauses… to enable potential hostage releases".

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It comes after Burnley Council leader Afrasiab Anwar stood down from the party along with ten others.

He said “blindly following Rishi Sunak” was “not acceptable”.

And Pendle Borough Council leader Asjad Mahmood also claimed Starmer “failed to listen” to calls for a ceasefire to “stop the innocent loss of lives”.

He added that Sir Keir should resign to “allow someone who has compassion to lead our party”.

It comes after the opposition chief insisted in a major speech on Tuesday that an immediate ceasefire would only allow Hamas to regather strength and plot more barbaric terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians.

In his speech Sir Keir argued that Israel has a fundamental right to defend itself – but must do so in the confines of international law.

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Pressed on whether that is happening, the Labour boss said it would take time to make those complex judgements.

Sir Keir also renewed calls for a "humanitarian pause" in the fighting so desperately needed aid can flow through to Gaza.

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