Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the UK opposition Labour Party, voiced on Saturday his party's support for Palestinians affected by the conflict with Israel, adding that the party condemned human rights violations by Israel
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 11th May, 2019) Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the UK opposition Labour Party, voiced on Saturday his party's support for Palestinians affected by the conflict with Israel, adding that the party condemned human rights violations by Israel.His comment comes as thousands of people are taking part in a pro-Palestinian rally, dubbed the National Demonstration for Palestine, in London.
"My message to those on the National Demonstration for Palestine in London today: we cannot stand by or stay silent at the continuing denial of rights and justice to the Palestinian people. The Labour Party is united in condemning the ongoing human rights abuses by Israeli forces, including the shooting of hundreds of unarmed Palestinian demonstrators in Gaza � most of them refugees or families of refugees � demanding their rights," Corbyn wrote on Facebook.
He went on to qualify the most recent escalation of tensions in the Gaza Strip, which left at least 25 Palestinians and four Israelis dead, as a "distressing and dangerous" reminder that a full-scale conflict between Israel and Palestine could resume.
"We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their struggle for their rights, supported by Israeli peace and justice campaigners like B'tselem and Gush Shalom. A sustainable peace that delivers peace, justice and security to both Palestinians and Israelis is a necessity and an interest that we all share," Corbyn added.
The Labour Party leader slammed global governments, including the UK government, for their "deafening" silence about the conflict, calling on the world to strongly condemn civilian deaths.
If US President Donald Trump, a known supporter of Israel, fulfills his plan for Middle East peace, expected to bury Palestinians' hope to have an independent state, then the Labour Party will call on the international community to firmly reject the plan, Corbyn went on to say.
"No peace plan can succeed at the expense of the rights of the Palestinian people. That's why a Labour government will recognise a Palestinian state and press for an immediate return to meaningful negotiations, aimed at achieving a lasting settlement based on UN resolutions, international law and justice that has been too long denied," Corbyn concluded.
For decades, Palestinians have been seeking diplomatic recognition for their state on the territories of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which is partially occupied by Israel, along with the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, the Israeli government refuses to recognize Palestine as an independent political and diplomatic entity.
