Two Oxford councillors have resigned following a comment made by Labour leader Keir Starmer that Israel 'has the right' to withhold power and water from Gaza.
City councillors Shaista Aziz and Dr Amar Latif have both stepped down and will now run as Independents with the Safer Communities cabinet member, Ms Aziz, expressing her sadness at the situation.
Mr Starmer made the comment on LBC on Wednesday speaking to host Nick Ferrari.
READ MORE: Man killed in fall into bread maker machine near Oxfordshire
Councillor Dr Amar Latif, of the Cowley Ward, commented: "We're obviously upset and appalled by the violence on both sides including the innocent killing of Israelis and Palestinian civilians.
"Though it's unfortunate that the Labour leadership hasn't been in a position to condemn the blockade in Gaza."
The councillors said they had attempted to seek clarification from local and national leadership following the comment but made the difficult decision to resign as no answer was forthcoming.
Their full statement can be read here in full:
Following the horrific killings and atrocities inflicted on Israelis and Palestinians over the past six days and the deep devastation, grief and fear, being felt by communities in our City and beyond, we are deeply disappointed and alarmed at the Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer’s, comments seeming to condone the use of collective punishment against the people of Gaza in direct contravention of International Law.
We have sought to seek urgent clarification regarding these statements both from the National and Local leadership.
Unfortunately as no clarification has been forthcoming we have made a conscious decision to immediately resign the whip and leave the Labour Party.
As Gaza faces its most darkest hours with an Israeli military ground invasion imminent and the UN warning of a catastrophe unfolding, we are appalled at the lack of humanity and regard for the rights of Palestinian people, the upholding and protection of international law and protections of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
We are appalled by those who seek to justify the killing of Israeli men, women and children in Hamas terrorist attacks.
We are horrified by the rhetoric of Labour politicians saying Israel is justified in cutting off Gaza’s water, food and electricity supply. This is a form of collective punishment - illegal under international law and these statements must be condemned fully and withdrawn immediately.
The people of Israel and Palestine and wider region deserve to live in peace and to live lives of safety, dignity and hope. They deserve to be spoken about and valued as human beings.
We call on a local, national and international consensus to be created based on upholding and protecting the human rights of all people and communities and one that is focused on deescalation of violence. We call for an urgent cessation of conflict and the opening up of a humanitarian corridor to allow aid to the people of Gaza.
We will continue in our role as councillors, standing as independents to serve the people of this great City.
Cllr Shaista Aziz, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Rose Hill and Iffley Ward
Cllr Dr Amar Latif, Cowley Ward
Oxford City Council
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article