UK's Labour Party to vote on declaring 'Israel' guilty of genocide in Gaza

Labour Party delegates will decide on Monday whether to adopt an emergency motion declaring that 'Israel' is committing genocide in Gaza and calling for a full arms embargo. The vote will take place during the party’s annual conference in Liverpool.

Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer opposed the motion on Sunday, warning that it could undermine aspects of the Middle East peace process. The motion, titled “Peace in the Middle East 2”, will be considered alongside another proposal broadly supporting existing Labour policy on 'Israel'.

The conference, which began on Sunday, comes a week after the UK government formally recognised the state of Palestine.

If passed, the motion would signal Labour’s official acceptance of a UN Commission of Inquiry report that found 'Israel' guilty of committing genocide in Gaza. It would also back comprehensive sanctions on 'Israel' and a full arms embargo. Delegates from constituencies and affiliated organisations will vote on multiple motions over the next few days.

The UK's government policy has already been under scrutiny. Last September, the government suspended 30 of 350 arms export licences to 'Israel' after determining that British-made weapons risked being used in violation of international humanitarian law. Licences for F-35 fighter jet parts, directly used in Gaza, remained exempt. Recent polls indicate that 72 percent of Labour’s 2024 voters support a full arms embargo on 'Israel'.

Diplomatic tensions have escalated in recent months. The UK recently barred 'Israeli' officials from the country’s largest arms trade show, prompting 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to denounce Britain’s recognition of Palestine as “rewarding Hamas.”

Nevertheless, 'Israeli' President Isaac Herzog met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street last week, describing the encounter as a mix of disagreement and agreement, while affirming that he sees the UK as 'Israel’s' “ally.”