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This article was written on 07 Jul 2024, and is filed under Journalism.

Labour’s Israel-Gaza Policy: No Change “Balance”

Al Arabiya English New UK foreign secretary backs ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza Britain's newly appointed Foreign Secretary David Lammy reiterated his support Friday for international efforts to secure an “immediate...

As a former broadcast TV reporter who has covered the intricate politics of Westminster and the harrowing realities of the Gaza conflict, I am compelled to address the portrayal this weekend of the new UK Labour government’s policy on Israel-Gaza. Headlines themselves don’t reflect the reality of their policy or record.

Labour’s Policy on Israel-Gaza: A Consistent Stance

Labour’s policy on Israel-Gaza has remained largely unchanged since February 20, 2024. During their time in opposition, Labour maintained a highly cautious, pro-Israel stance, aligning closely with the United States’ approach. Upon taking office, this policy did not experience any significant transformation. Instead, Labour has slightly adjusted its rhetoric to appear distinct from their opposition days and the previous Conservative administration, but the core principles and policies remain the same.

Delayed Calls for a Ceasefire

One of the most notable aspects of Labour’s approach has been their delayed and cautious calls for a ceasefire. Despite the escalating violence and mounting casualties, Labour was slow to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, a stance that only emerged under significant internal and public pressure.

A Sober Recap of Key Events

September 19, 2023:
An IDF document contained details of Hamas’s training exercises for a large-scale raid and kidnapping operation.

October 7, 2023:
Hamas, P.I.J., and unaffiliated Gaza ‘military-aged males’ launched a large-scale attack on Israel, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and more than 200 hostages.

October 11, 2023:
In an infamous LBC interview, when asked about Israel’s right to defend itself and the appropriateness of cutting off essential supplies to Gaza, Starmer stated, “Israel does have that right. It is an ongoing situation. Obviously, everything should be done within international law, but I don’t want to step away from the core principles that Israel has the right to defend itself, and Hamas bears responsibility for these terrorist attacks”.

October 14, 2023:
By the time of Emily Thornberry’s infamous Newsnight interview the Gaza death had risen to over 2,670 Palestinians killed. Thornberry repeatedly refused to directly answer questions about the legality of Israel’s blockade on Gaza, stating, “I think that Israel has an absolute right to defend itself against terrorism,” when pressed on whether cutting off power and supplies to Gaza is in line with international law.

February 20, 2024:
Labour leader Keir Starmer, under increasing pressure from within his party and the public, called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza; having previously stopped short, calling for a “ceasefire that lasts”. By this date, the conflict had resulted in approximately 29,195 Palestinian deaths and over 69,000 injuries, making it 137 days into the conflict.

May 8, 2024: 
President Biden stated that the U.S. would halt shipments of bombs and other munitions to Israel if it launched a major invasion into Rafah, Gaza. This move reflected growing U.S. concerns over the high civilian casualties in Gaza and a shift in the administration’s stance towards Israeli military operations in densely populated areas. By this date, the conflict had lasted 214 days​.

May 31, 2024:
The US administration announces its bespoke ceasefire plan with a three-phase approach.

July 4, 2024:
Labour took office, maintaining alignment with the U.S. ceasefire plan and calling for international cooperation, all while introducing rhetoric about a “balanced” approach.

Media Responsibility and Accurate Representation

It is evident that Labour’s policy has been marked by a stubborn reluctance to promptly call for an unconditional immediate ceasefire, in the face of vast war crimes, only doing so under significant pressure some 137 days into the ‘war’.

‘Recognise Palestine’ Legalese

The key question to watch will be whether and when the UK Labour government recognises a Palestinian state. So far it’s set this up as a hypothetical for the future; rather than copying Spanish, Irish and Norwegian governments in proactively pressuring Israel by recognising the state it’s occupying.

Conclusion

Labour steps into office and needs to balance creating a fresh sense of control (differentiating themselves from the Conservatives), while at the same time having no policy difference with their outgoing counterparts. To do this, they’ve re-iterated their now long-standing stances and introduced new rhetoric. But to infer from headlines that this represents any meaningful geopolitcal change would be delusional.

The Labour government’s policy on Israel-Gaza remains cautious, pro-Israel, and aligned with U.S. interests. Their delayed and reluctant call for a ceasefire reflects a consistent stance rather than a significant shift. Although the personalities have changed, the UK’s position has not. Don’t believe the headlines implying any change.