MAYOR of London Sadiq Khan has become the most high-profile Labour politician to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has called for a "pause” in hostilities to allow humanitarian aid to come into Gaza but has fallen short of calling for a full break in fighting and negotiations between both sides.
Khan, who as London mayor represents around nine million people, has now joined growing calls at home and abroad for a ceasefire, which he argued would allow “the international community more time to prevent a protracted conflict in the region and further devastating loss of life”.
In a video statement posted to Twitter/X, Khan said: “The terrible situation in Gaza now looks set to deteriorate even further. Thousands of innocent civilians – men, women and children have already been killed. And it's becoming impossible for aid to reach the people who desperately need it.
“Substantial military escalation is now likely, which will only deepen the humanitarian disaster.
“I join the international community in calling for a ceasefire. It would stop the killing and would allow vital aid supplies to reach those who need it in Gaza.
“It would also allow the international community more time to prevent a protracted conflict in the region and further devastating loss of life.”
Thousands of innocent civilians have already been killed in Israel and Gaza. With the humanitarian crisis set to deteriorate even further, I’m calling for a ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/iOZpHTsBQC
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) October 27, 2023
He went on to say that while Israel had the right to target Hamas and attempt to free around 200 hostages the group kidnapped and took into Gaza, the country did not have “the right to break international law”.
There are growing concerns Israel’s siege on Gaza – which Hamas says has killed 7028 Palestinians – could amount to collective punishment, a breach of international law.
Khan added: “Israel has a right to defend itself, to target those responsible for the appalling terror attack of 7 October, and to take action to free the hostages.
“The international community must redouble its efforts to get the hostages released.
“But a widespread military escalation will only deepen the humanitarian disaster. It will increase human suffering on all sides.
“No nation, including Israel, has the right to break international law.”
He joins a growing chorus of Labour politicians – including some of Starmer’s shadow ministers – who are calling for a ceasefire.
A motion calling for a break in hostilities submitted by left-wing Labour MP Richard Burgon has gathered 95 signatures, including Imran Hussain, the shadow minister for the future of work.
Yasmin Qureshi (above), the shadow minister for the equalities office, broke ranks at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday to call for a ceasefire.
Starmer faced criticism for his exchange with the Prime Minister earlier this week for failing to mention the war between Hamas and Israel.
Rishi Sunak has remained steadfastly opposed to a ceasefire, arguing that Israel’s retaliatory attacks on Gaza have been carried out in self defence.
Speaking in the Commons last week, Sunak said: “It is difficult to tell Israel to have a ceasefire when it is still facing rocket fire on an almost daily basis, and when its citizens are still being held hostage and it has suffered an appalling terrorist attack where it has a right to defend itself."
