Ronaldskk. Posted October 28, 2023 Posted October 28, 2023 https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-67238594 They are implemented purely with the aim of providing humanitarian support, as opposed to achieving long-term political solutions. EU calls for 'corridors and pauses' for Gaza aid Pauses are needed in Israel-Hamas war, Sunak says Starmer facing pressure over Gaza stance Israel began its bombing campaign in Gaza, cut off electricity and most water, and stopped imports of food, fuel and other goods in retaliation for a cross-border attack by Hamas on 7 October, in which at least 1,400 people were killed and 224 taken hostage. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says 7,000 people have been killed in the territory since then, and that its health system is facing total collapse. In a statement earlier, Mr Khan said Israel had a "right to defend itself" following the "appalling terror attack" of 7 October. But he added a ceasefire would "allow the international community more time to prevent a protracted conflict in the region and further devastating loss of life". In a statement, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and local council leaders said Israel had the right to take "targeted action within international law". They added they had "profound concerns" about loss of lives in Gaza, and that it was "vital that urgent support and humanitarian aid is allowed into the area". The leaders said there should be a ceasefire "by all sides" and that all hostages should "be released unharmed". In a video, Scottish Labour leader Mr Sarwar said: "We need to see the immediate release of hostages, immediate access to humanitarian supplies... and the immediate cessation of violence with an end of rocket fire into and out of Gaza." "And let me be clear, that means a ceasefire right now," he added. line More on Israel-Gaza war Follow live: Latest updates Explained: What is happening in Israel and Gaza, and why now? History behind the story: The Israel-Palestinian conflict Hostages: Who are the hostages taken by Hamas from Israel? Gaza: Giving birth amid shelling and power cuts line On Wednesday, shadow Scottish secretary Ian Murray said Sir Keir was likely to be the next prime minister, and therefore had to be "very careful" with what he said. "It's very easy for us all to sit in a warm bath of throwing around ceasefires, etc but Keir Starmer is in a very sensitive position," he added. Asked why the UK was not calling for a cessation of violence, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan told ITV that the government would not "cross that line of telling Israel it has anything but the right to defend itself". She said a humanitarian pause would enable British citizens to leave Gaza. Labour Gaza tensions The Labour leader's overall stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict has also led to growing discomfort in his party. He triggered anger earlier this month, when in reply to an interview question on whether it was "appropriate" for Israel to cut off the supply of power and water to Gaza, he said: "I think that Israel does have that right." "Obviously everything should be done within international law, but I don't want to step away from the core principles that Israel has a right to defend herself," he added. A spokesman for the Labour leader later said he had only meant to say Israel had a general right to self-defence. Around 20 councillors have since quit Labour in protest. In Oxford, resignations have led to Labour losing its majority on the local council. In Westminster, 39 Labour MPs - including shadow minister Imran Hussain - have signed a parliamentary petition calling for an "immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities".
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