• Labour delegates voted to recognize Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide.
• The motion calls for comprehensive sanctions and a full arms embargo against Israel.
• This decision significantly challenges the stance of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his government.

At its annual conference in Liverpool, Labour Party delegates voted to officially acknowledge that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, a pivotal decision that intensifies pressure on the UK government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This historic vote aligns with the findings of a UN Commission of Inquiry, which confirmed that Israeli authorities have committed acts constituting genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, according to Middle East Eye, Middle East Eye, Al Jazeera, and TRT World.

The motion, titled "Peace in the Middle East 2," also advocates for a suspension of the arms trade with Israel and demands that the UK government utilize all available means to prevent further genocide in Gaza. It received robust backing from numerous trade unions, highlighting widespread support for a significant shift in party policy towards Israel, according to Middle East Eye and Al Jazeera.

In contrast, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and senior ministers have maintained that the determination of genocide should fall to international courts rather than in political arenas. This position creates a stark divergence between party members and their leadership on the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as highlighted by Middle East Eye and TRT World.

Recent polling indicates that prioritizing a full arms embargo against Israel is widely supported, with approximately 72 percent of Labour 2024 voters in favor. This shows a significant disconnect between public sentiment and government actions, especially in light of recent diplomatic tensions between the UK and Israel, according to Middle East Eye, Al Jazeera, and TRT World.

This unprecedented voting outcome by the Labour Party delegates could prompt a reevaluation of Britain’s foreign policy regarding Israel-Palestine relations, further putting pressure on the Starmer government to reconsider its current stance. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, voices within the party are calling for urgent action to prevent further atrocities, according to Middle East Eye and Al Jazeera.