KEIR Starmer has been accused of having “gravely misrepresented” a meeting with Muslim leaders in Wales.
We previously told how the Labour leader visited the South Wales Islamic Centre in Cardiff at the weekend – a move which was branded an “embarrassing photo-op”.
In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the centre apologised “for the hurt and confusion” caused by hosting Starmer, and said the intention was to highlight the suffering of people in Palestine.
It also expressed “dismay” over Starmer’s post on Twitter/X in which he said: “I was grateful to hear from the Muslim community of the South Wales Islamic Centre.
“I 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 a two-state solution.”
In response, the centre said: “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. We implore all those with political authority to uphold international law, and the end to the occupation of Palestine.”
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The statement continued: “There was a robust and frank conversation which reflected the sentiments Muslim communities are feeling at this time.
“Members of the community directly challenged Keir on his statements made on the Israeli government’s right to cut food, electricity and water to Gaza, warranting war crimes as well as his failure to call for an immediate ceasefire.”
It comes after 15 Labour officials in Scotland resigned over party rules about responding to the conflict in Gaza.
Nine of those stood down in Glasgow Kelvin’s constituency Labour Party while a further six resigned in Labour’s Edinburgh Northern and Leith Executive Committee.
Starmer was previously forced to clarify comments he made to LBC where he was asked whether Israel had the right to respond to attacks by Hamas with a siege of Gaza, cutting off water and power.
He said: “I think Israel does have that right, it is an ongoing situation, obviously everything should be done within international law.”
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He later said in a post on Twitter/X: “I was questioned by members and I was deeply moved to hear their pain and horror at the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
“I made it 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.”
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