In October 2023, as Israel was starting its genocide in Gaza, then-leader of the opposition Keir Starmer was asked a simple question during an LBC interview with Nick Ferrari about Israel’s use of deliberate starvation of Palestinians.
Starmer said he thought Israel had a “right” to cut off electricity and water supplies to Palestinians living in Gaza, an act that would constitute a crime in modern warfare.
He could not have been aware of the damage he had just inflicted on Labour amongst its core voters, including British Muslims.
Starmer’s comments led to a barrage of criticism from within and outside the party, which has historically been more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause than the rival Conservative party - and at least more open to Palestinian voices.
Within weeks of his comments, over 150 Muslim Labour councillors had written to the Labour party leadership imploring it to call for an immediate ceasefire.
