Labour MPs condemn Israel for 'war crimes' despite Keir Starmer's call to show a united front with the government against Hamas terror

Labour MPs condemned Israel for ‘war crimes’ yesterday, as they shrugged off appeals from Sir Keir Starmer to show a united front with the government over the terrorist assault by Hamas.

The Labour leader said it was ‘crucial that this House speaks with one voice in condemnation of terror, in support for Israel in its time of agony and for the dignity of all human life’.

But a string of his MPs lined up to criticise Israel for its response to the atrocity.

While most were careful to preface their remarks with condemnation of Hamas, several accused Israel of breaking international law in its efforts to dismantle the terror group’s operations in Gaza.

Cries of ‘shame’ could be heard as former shadow cabinet minister Richard Burgon accused Israel of committing a ‘war crime’ by cutting off power and water to Gaza.

Cries of ‘shame’ could be heard as former shadow cabinet minister Richard Burgon (pictured) accused Israel of committing a ‘war crime’ by cutting off power and water to Gaza

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While most were careful to preface their remarks with condemnation of Hamas, several accused Israel of breaking international law in its efforts to dismantle the terror group’s operations in Gaza. Pictured: Smoke rises as Israeli attacks continue during the 10th day of clashes near the Gaza border in Sderot, Israel

He urged Rishi Sunak to ‘make clear to the Israeli government that this collective punishment of Palestinian civilians must end immediately’.

Bradford East MP Imran Hussain said that by ‘laying siege to civilians in Gaza… and through indiscriminate airstrikes killing civilians’ Israel was ‘in clear violation of international law’.

Fellow Labour MP Sarah Owen also accused Israel of punishing the Palestinian people, saying: ‘Even at times of war there are still laws – what are ministers doing to counter breaches of international law?’ The Prime Minister responded: ‘Hamas alone is responsible for this conflict, We support Israel in taking action against terrorism and to defend itself.’

In an extraordinary intervention, Labour’s shadow trade minister Afzal Khan suggested the PM’s own comments on the crisis had helped to ‘dehumanise’ Palestinian civilians and fuel Islamophobia.

Mr Khan referenced the murder of a six-year-old Muslim boy in an apparent hate crime in Illinois, telling the PM: ‘Tragically, yesterday, we saw the consequences in the murder of that little boy.

‘Will the Prime Minister review his statements about the conflict and ensure that he does not add to the further vilification of Palestinians and Muslims when condemning the actions of Hamas?’

Mr Sunak pointed out he had already stressed the importance of ‘standing with the British Muslim community at this difficult time’.