Keir Starmer accused of 'severely misrepresenting' meeting with Muslims in scathing statement

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Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of "severely misrepresenting" a meeting with Muslim leaders in south Wales this weekend, amid anger among some members of the Labor Party faced with the party leader's position on the subject. Israel-Hamas conflict.

In a statement released Tuesday evening by the Islamic Center of South Wales, it apologized for the “hurt and confusion” caused by hosting Sir Keir.

The Labor Party leader visited the center on Sunday, posting footage showing him meeting local community figures.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: “I was grateful to hear from the Muslim community at the Islamic Center of South Wales.

“I reiterated our calls for the release of all hostages, more humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, the restoration of water and electricity, and a renewed focus on both state solutions. »

He said he was "questioned by members" and "made it clear that it was not and never has been my view that Israel had the right to cut off the water, food, fuel or medicine. International law must be respected. »

Sir Keir faced a backlash from Muslim and left-wing members over previous comments about Israel, after appearing to suggest in an LBC interview that "Israel has that right ". to cut off electricity and water.

The Labor leader has since denied ever supporting Israel in withdrawing humanitarian aid from Gaza and sought to clarify his remarks on the imposed siege of Gaza by Israel, which has sparked concerns about a humanitarian crisis in the region.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has been criticized by South Wales Islamic Center

(PA Wire)

The centre's statement said: "We would like to highlight that Keir Starmer's social media post and images seriously misrepresent our faithful and the nature of the visit.

"We affirm, unequivocally. , the need for a free Palestine. We implore all those in political authority to uphold international law and end the occupation of Palestine. »

The center said it wanted to “apologize for the pain and confusion caused by arranging this visit. » .