London Mayor Sadiq Khan called on Friday for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, going a step beyond his Labour Party's appeals for a humanitarian pause in fighting to allow aid into the Gaza Strip.
The apparent difference in stance between Khan and Labour leader Keir Starmer highlights disagreement and growing unrest within Britain's main opposition party over its position on the conflict.
Labour, which polls indicate has a strong chance of forming Britain's next government in an election expected in 2024, called this week for a pause in fighting, echoing similar calls from the US, European Union and Britain's Conservative government.
Such pauses are seen as a measure short of a full ceasefire, but critics say it does not go far enough.
Khan, a senior voice within Labour, said he backed Israel's right to defend itself but that a military escalation could worsen a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Aid agencies have highlighted an increasingly desperate need for water, food and medical services in the Palestinian enclave.
"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," Khan said in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter.
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/9HPau9X9jP
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) October 27, 2023
A Labour spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Khan's statement.
Labour has serious failings handling persistent antisemitism complaints
The equalities watchdog found in 2020 that Labour had serious failings how it handled persistent antisemitism complaints under its former leader Jeremy Corbyn, and Starmer has sought to rid the party of an anti-Jewish image since becoming leader that year.
However, some Labour politicians, especially Muslim lawmakers and local government officials, were angered by comments Starmer made earlier this month that were interpreted to mean he backed Israel's right to cut off power and water to Gaza.
His spokesperson later clarified that he had meant Israel had a right to defend itself, but people in Gaza needed access to water and power.
One Labour lawmaker from northern England said he had received hundreds of emails in the last week from voters complaining about the way Starmer had handled the situation.
"The tone has been completely wrong. We look indifferent to innocent people being bombed in Gaza," the lawmaker said.