Sir Keir Starmer to meet Labour Muslim MPs amid tensions over Gaza policy

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is to meet Muslim MPs amid tensions over the party's stance on the Israel-Hamas war.

It comes after an Islamic centre visited by Sir Keir on Sunday said a statement he released after the event had "gravely misrepresented" them.

Sir Keir has faced criticism since seeming to say Israel had the "right" to cut off water and energy to Gaza.

He later clarified his position, saying he meant only that the country had a right to self-defence.

Tens of Labour councillors have already quit the party over the comments, while some MPs are also understood to be worried about the position the leadership has taken.

Sources within the party have confirmed to the BBC that Sir Keir is set to meet some of his own Muslim MPs on Wednesday to discuss the issue.

In an interview with LBC on 11 October, Sir Keir was asked whether it was "appropriate" for Israel to cut off the supply of power and water to Gaza as part of a siege of the territory.

"I think that Israel does have that right," he said. "Obviously everything should be done within international law, but I don't want to step away from the core principles that Israel has a right to defend herself."

On Sunday, amid criticism over the comments, Sir Keir visited the South Wales Islamic Centre in Cardiff and met congregants and leaders from the Muslim community.

In a statement later posted to X, formerly Twitter, he said he had been "deeply moved" to meet people at the centre and "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."

He also said he had "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".

But late on Tuesday, a response was issued on behalf of the centre by the Muslim Council of Wales expressing "dismay" at the statement and apologising for the "hurt and confusion" that the decision to host the visit had caused "many in the Muslim community".

"Our intention was to raise the concerns of the Muslim community around the suffering of Palestinians," it said.

"There was a robust and frank conversation which reflected the sentiments Muslim communities are feeling at this time.

"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."

Last week, Sir Keir wrote to all Labour councillors reiterating his belief that Israel should follow international law and allow more humanitarian access to Gaza.