Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of having “gravely misrepresented” a meeting with Muslim leaders in Wales as the row over his comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict continues.
In a statement on Tuesday, the South Wales Islamic Centre in Cardiff apologised “for the hurt and confusion” caused by hosting the Labour leader over the weekend.
They faced a backlash because of real anger from Muslims over comments from Sir Keir about Israel's siege of Gaza following the brutal terror attack carried out by Hamas on October 7.
READ MORE: Israel-Palestine conflict exposes Labour Party divisions
When asked by LBC if Israel was right to cut off the enclave's water and power, he replied. “I think that Israel does have that right, it is an ongoing situation, obviously everything should be done within international law."
He later attempted to clarify the remarks, insisting he had been talking about Israel's right to defend itself, and was not endorsing the collective punishment of Gazans.
Following his visit to the Cardiff mosque, Sir Keir shared a post on X, formerly Twitter, writing: “I was grateful to hear from the Muslim community of the South Wales Islamic Centre.
"I repeated our calls for all hostages to be released, more humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, for the water and power to be switched back on, and a renewed focus on a two-state solution.”
He added: “I was questioned by members and I was deeply moved to hear their pain and horror at the suffering of civilians in Gaza. I made clear it is not and has never been my view that Israel had the right to cut off water, food, fuel or medicines. International law must be followed.”
I was grateful to hear from the Muslim community of the South Wales Islamic Centre.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 22, 2023
I repeated our calls for all hostages to be released, more humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, for the water and power to be switched back on, and a renewed focus on the two state solution. pic.twitter.com/CkyPDDnXtp
READ MORE: Starmer denies backing Israel on withholding humanitarian aid from Gaza
In response, the South Wales Islamic Centre said: “We wish to stress Keir Starmer’s social media post and images gravely misrepresented our congregants and the nature of the visit.
“We affirm, unequivocally, the need for a free Palestine. We implore all those with political authority to uphold international law, and the end to the occupation of Palestine.”
The statement added: “There was a robust and frank conversation which reflected the sentiments Muslim communities are feeling at this time. Members of the community directly challenged Keir on his statements made on the Israeli government’s right to cut food, electricity and water to Gaza, warranting war crimes as well as his failure to call for an immediate ceasefire.”
The below statement has been posted on behalf of South Wales Islamic Centre pic.twitter.com/I0NH65DVIP
— Muslim Council Wales (@MuslimWales) October 24, 2023
At least 23 Labour councillors have quit the party over the comments, including eight in Oxford, depriving the party of its majority.
In Scotland 15 Labour officers have resigned their party roles, including nine in Glasgow and six in Edinburgh.
Sir Keir is due to hold a series of meetings with his MPs this afternoon in a bid to try and address concerns over the comments.
READ MORE: Nandy defends Labour’s ‘clarified’ position on Israeli siege of Gaza
Speaking to Times Radio, shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, said the meetings were "routine."
"It is perfectly normal for MPs – we all represent different constituencies around the country – to want to speak to the leader of our party," he said.
"I’m sure it is the same in other political parties where there are issues that constituents are raising with us. And the meeting this afternoon is another example of that.
"And understandably, this is a very sensitive and emotive issue, both for people who have connections and relatives to the Palestinian people as well as the Israeli people, and it is perfectly normal for Keir to sit down and listen to colleagues in the parliamentary party and indeed our councillors and other members from across the country."
So, a routine meeting and this is another example of that.
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