Starmer Says Gaza Ceasefire Would Lead to More Violence Amid Labour Rebellion

The Labour leader said he understands calls for an immediate ceasefire but doesn’t believe that it is the correct position at this time.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer delivers a speech on the situation in the Middle East at Chatham House in central London on Oct. 31, 2023. Stefan Rousseau/PA

An immediate ceasefire in Gaza at this time will embolden Hamas terrorists and lead to more “future violence,” Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said on Tuesday as he attempts to quell a sizable rebellion over the party’s stance on the Israel–Hamas war.

Sir Keir is supporting the Conservative government’s call for humanitarian “pauses” to allow aid to go into Gaza and hostages and foreign nationals to leave, but not a full ceasefire.