Starmer urges ceasefire in Gaza
British Labour leader calls for an end to the fighting
Sir Keir Starmer has called for a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and said the fighting must stop now.
The Labour leader said he was "deeply concerned" about the situation in Gaza, where more than 200 people have been killed in the past week.
"The violence must stop," he said. "There can be no justification for the killing of innocent civilians. I urge both sides to agree to a ceasefire immediately."
Starmer's comments come as the Labour Party faces growing pressure to condemn Israel's actions in Gaza. A number of Labour councillors have called for the party to change its position, and some have even resigned from the party in protest.
Starmer has previously said that he believes Israel has the right to defend itself, but he has also called for restraint.
"I understand that Israel has a right to defend itself from attack," he said. "But that right must be exercised proportionately and in accordance with international law."
The fighting in Gaza has been condemned by the United Nations and other international bodies. The UN has called for an immediate ceasefire, and has said that the violence is unacceptable.
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