UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner met with members of the British Palestinian community, in collaboration with the Palestine Mission. The delegation, including the Palestine Families Network, shared stories of loved ones lost in the Gaza war and expressed concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The families presented 10 key demands to the UK government, urging for an arms embargo on Israel, recognition of a Palestinian state, and initiatives like the Child Evacuation and Family Reunification Schemes. These schemes aim to provide medical treatment for critically injured children from Gaza and reunite Palestinian refugees with family members in Britain.
Starmer, acknowledging the grief of the Palestinian families, called for a ceasefire, an end to suffering, and immediate humanitarian aid access to Gaza. The meeting, attended by Dr. Husam Zomlot and Hamish Falconer, comes amidst backlash over the Labour Party’s stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Despite previous controversies surrounding his views on the conflict, Starmer is now considering sanctions against far-right Israeli ministers. The meeting marks a step towards addressing the concerns of the British Palestinian community and advocating for peace in the region.