News|Israel-Palestine conflictUK Labour Party members vote to recognise Gaza genocide at conferenceThe move adds pressure on the UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which has been slammed over its stance on the Gaza war.

The United Kingdom's Labour Party has voted to recognize genocide allegations against Israel regarding its actions in Gaza. This decision was made during Labour's party conference, where an emergency motion was passed to support the findings of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry, which recently concluded that Israel has committed genocide. The motion received strong backing from trade unions.

This decision contrasts with the stance of Labour leader and Prime Minister Keir Starmer and senior ministers, who maintain that the determination of genocide should be left to international courts rather than political entities. Israel is currently facing a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, where it is accused of genocide.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy reiterated the position that the ICJ and the International Criminal Court (ICC) should be responsible for such determinations, emphasizing adherence to a rules-based order. He noted that while the public could form their own opinions, the legal determination should be left to the judiciary.

Protests in Solidarity with Palestine Action

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Labour's decision, stating that while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump are working to end the war in Gaza, the UK Labour Party is aligning with Hamas. The Ministry expressed that global efforts support the US and Israel, whereas Labour's actions seem contrary.

The Labour vote occurred following a visit by Richard Tice, deputy leader of the UK's Reform Party, to Israel. Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar indicated that Tice opposed the UK's recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly and expressed support for Israel.

The Gaza conflict has been a significant focus at this year's Labour conference. On Monday, a pro-Palestinian activist disrupted a speech by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, accusing the UK of complicity in Israel's actions. The protestor, identified as Sam P, held a Palestinian flag and questioned the UK's arms dealings with Israel. Reeves responded by stating that while the party recognizes a Palestinian state, it now functions as a government entity.

Outside the conference venue, police arrested 66 individuals during a protest against the government's ban on the activist group Palestine Action. The demonstration, which began on Sunday, included participants holding signs opposing genocide and supporting Palestine Action. The UK government banned the group in April, labeling it a "terrorist" organization, following incidents involving activists targeting a Royal Air Force plane allegedly carrying weapons to Israel.

The vote was strongly supported by trade unions [Phil Noble/Reuters]

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.