Labour infighting intensified today as tensions flared between allies of Sir Keir Starmer and rebel MPs over comments made about Israel. Frontbencher Peter Kyle criticized left-winger Andy McDonald for using the controversial phrase "between the river and the sea" at a pro-Palestine rally over the weekend. Kyle warned that the use of this phrase could escalate tensions and called for restraint. McDonald had also suggested that Israel was "ethnically cleansing" Palestinians in Gaza.
Controversial phrase sparks outrage
The phrase "between the river and the sea" is viewed by many Jews as a call for the elimination of Israel, stretching from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea. This has sparked outrage and calls for action. Tory MP Simon Clarke accused McDonald of tiptoeing up to the line and challenged Keir Starmer to respond.
Defending the remarks
However, ally John McDonnell defended Andy McDonald, claiming that the phrase had been misrepresented and was about promoting coexistence. McDonnell's defense has further deepened the divide within the Labour Party.
Tensions over ceasefire
The Labour Party is already grappling with internal divisions over Sir Keir Starmer's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Starmer has called for a "humanitarian pause" but has not fully supported a ceasefire, despite calls from a significant portion of his MPs, regional mayors, and the Scottish Labour leader. This has raised concerns among many Labour MPs and councillors, who fear a potential backlash from Muslim voters.
Downplaying the splits
Attempting to downplay the divisions, Shadow Science Secretary Peter Kyle described the differing positions within the party as "dancing on the head of a pin" and argued that diverse opinions could be a strength. However, former Labour MP Lord Walney cautioned that downplaying the internal disagreements could weaken the party's support for Israel's right to defend itself.
Labour continues to grapple with internal divisions over the Israel-Palestine conflict, with the controversial remarks made by Andy McDonald further exacerbating tensions within the party. The fallout from this latest episode highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Sir Keir Starmer as he attempts to unite a deeply divided party.
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