UK’s general election 2024 saw the Labour Party sweeping the country, and the party is all set to form the next government under Keir Starmer. As the centre-left party emerged victorious amid Europe’s overall inclination towards the right, the world is eager to watch how could be the foreign policy of the new government. As for the Israel-Palestine issue, many expect a different stance from the upcoming Keir Starmer-led government.

Notably, the manifesto of the Labour Party stated that it is “committed to recognising a Palestinian state” as a contribution to a renewed peace process. The party also emphasised that it wants the peace process to result in a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

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However, Keir Starmer’s statement days after the October 7 attack by Hamas and the subsequent Israeli aggression had left the traditional pro-Palestinian Labour workers in dismay, generating hesitance towards the party. Speaking to British broadcaster LBC, Starmer blamed Hamas entirely for the latest war amid the Jewish nation’s intense and indiscriminate bombing of Gaza.

To the interviewer’s question “whether a siege and cutting off water and electricity supplies to the besieged Gaza was a suitable response to the attack by Palestinian fighters,”  Starmer responded by saying he “think that Israel does have that right, it is an ongoing situation, obviously, everything should be done within international law, noting that he doesn’t want to step away from the core principles that Israel has the right to defend herself.

After the Labour party’s victory, some pro-Israeli handles dug Keir Starmer’s ‘water cut’ remark, wishing the new state head for the days ahead.

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However, following the comment, the former human rights lawyer faced criticism, with many questioning him saying how someone can cut water and electricity supply within international law. He was also lambasted for endorsing collective punishment to Palestinians.

Many pro-Palestinian workers and leaders of the Labour Party reportedly felt betrayed by the party back then, over its delay in demanding a ceasefire and the party head’s ‘water supply’ remark.

Reflecting the sentiment, the election result showed the Labour Party losing some of the Muslim-dominated regions in the election, though it managed to secure a landslide victory. Many pro-Palestinian voters, with no alternative option, stood with the party, pinning their hope on the promises of the party in the manifesto.