Following his visit to the South Wales Islamic Centre in Cardiff, Starmer took to social media to express his gratitude for hearing from the Muslim community. He also reiterated calls for the release of all hostages, the allowance of more humanitarian aid into Gaza, the restoration of water and power, and a renewed focus on a two-state solution.
The South Wales Islamic Centre responded with disappointment to Starmer’s post, stating that it gravely misrepresented the meeting’s nature and the sentiments of its congregants. The centre emphasized the need for a free Palestine and the importance of upholding international law.
During the meeting, members of the community directly challenged Starmer on his statements about Israel’s actions in Gaza. Starmer previously made remarks suggesting support for Israel’s right to limit supplies to Gaza. He later clarified that he was referring to Israel’s right to self-defense, not the right to cut off essential supplies, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international law.
Starmer’s initial comments have led to significant political consequences. In Oxford, eight Labour councillors resigned from the party, causing the party to lose its majority in the city council. In Scotland, 15 Labour officers resigned over the party’s stance on the Gaza conflict.
Keir Starmer is facing significant political fallout and criticism from the Muslim community in Wales over comments he made about the Israel-Hamas conflict. After visiting the South Wales Islamic Centre in Cardiff, he was accused of misrepresenting the nature of the meeting and the sentiments of the attendees. The Islamic Centre’s statement highlighted the robust discussions that took place during the visit and stressed the need for a free Palestine. Starmer’s initial comments on Israel’s actions in Gaza and subsequent clarifications have also led to resignations within the Labour Party in Oxford and Scotland.