The UK’s Labour party leader, Sir Keir Starmer, is expected to include a pledge to recognize Palestine before the end of any peace process in its upcoming election manifesto, the Guardian reported on Friday.
Labor’s position has grown more critical of Israel’s war in Gaza as the conflict drags on. Keir Starmer called for an “immediate ceasefire” last week, and he has given implicit support for the decision by the ICC’s chief prosecutor to request an arrest warrant against Netanyahu.
However, Starmer was criticized in the early days of the conflict for his failure to condemn Israeli violations. His claim in the days after October 7, that Israel had the right to cut off water and electricity to Gaza was heavily condemned, even by those within his own party.
The Guardian reports that Labor strategists are concerned that Labor’s position on Gaza could cost them two urban constituencies in Sheffield and Bristol.
Labour is hoping this move will shore up support amongst Muslim and progressive voters, many of whom feel Starmer has been too weak on the Gaza conflict.
Labour is currently leading by 21 points in Politico’s ‘poll of polls’ and is expected by many to win the upcoming general election on July 4.
The manifesto will be officially launched next Thursday.
