‘Fighting Must Stop Now’: Keir Starmer Calls For Permanent Ceasefire In Gaza

Labour leader Keir Starmer called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, specifically warning Israel against an assault on the densely populated city of Rafah.

Speaking to Scottish Labour delegates in Glasgow, Starmer emphasised the need for a “ceasefire that lasts,” amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions and the looming Commons vote on ending the conflict.

“I have just returned from the Munich security conference, where every conversation I had came back to the situation in Israel and Gaza and the question of what we can do practically to deliver what we all want to see – a return of all the hostages taken on 7 October, an end to the killing of innocent Palestinians, a huge scaling-up of humanitarian relief and an end to the fighting,” Starmer said.

He added: “Not just for now, not just for a pause, but permanently. A ceasefire that lasts. That is what must happen now. The fighting must stop now.”

The Labour leader’s comments were met with a resounding applause.

The remarks come at a critical juncture, as Labour grapples with internal divisions over its stance on the conflict. Despite previously and cautiously advocating for a “sustainable ceasefire,” Starmer’s latest comments signal a shift towards a more definitive call for an end to hostilities.

This will for a ceasefire among Labour members was echoed at the conference, where a motion for an immediate ceasefire received backing, highlighting the growing pressure for a unified approach to the crisis.

Starmer continued to outline a vision for peace that includes the release of hostages, an end to civilian casualties, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid. He also stressed the importance of reviving a genuine peace process, with a two-state solution as a central goal.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) is planning to table a vote for an immediate ceasefire in the Commons on Wednesday, a move that further challenges Labour to present a united front.