As the situation in Palestine and the Middle East grows worse there has never been a more important time for a Labour movement that stands up for human rights and against injustice wherever it finds it. I am proud to have been unequivocal on my position on the situation in Palestine and in the entire Middle East and would welcome the chance to visit the West Bank and Gaza to be a better advocate for the cause.

We have witnessed a decade of Israeli aggression, from the attacks on Jenin in 2002, the war on Lebanon in 2006, and the war in Gaza in 2008 which lead to the killing of over 1,400 people, including women and children, as well as the destruction of many homes, schools, hospitals and industries. These acts have been met with soft responses, which is irresponsible given the weight that Britain holds in the international arena. We need to fully commit ourselves to the resolves of the Labour Party manifesto and show tangible support for those who are clearly facing a humanitarian crisis.

It is now eighteen months since the war in Gaza, which produced one of the
greatest public outcrys this nation has ever seen. Attempts to rebuild Gaza
remain futile as Israel has stopped supplies of cement and an array of other
basic materials reaching Gaza and successive aid convoys have face  of increasing opposition to deliver basic necessities to the Palestinian people. This has led up to the recent attack on the SS Mavi Marmara. No nation could ignore the actions of the Israeli military. Many governments including our own were forced to speak up against the actions of Israel. However it is a shame that people had to die before this happened. I fully support all calls for an independent inquiry into the situation as should the Labour party.

The demonstrations that took place last month and have taken place over the past two years, have been spectacular displays of  public opinion on the blockade of Gaza and as the party that aims to represent people, our stance should reflect these. Moreover in June a YouGov poll showed that 51% of British people thought the siege on Gaza is wrong against 17% who supported it  .

International law should be respected and nations like ours should be champions in advocating and enforcing it. We cannot pick and chose who must abide by International law and who is prosecuted under it. Neither must we seek to change the law to accommodate any nation or individual. This opens a Pandora’s Box. We should also explore other options in pressuring Israel to lift the blockade. Silence on the matter can be misconstrued as support.

In standing up for Palestine and peace in the Middle East I have represented the socialist beliefs on which this Labour party was built. Our military activity in the region as well as the ambiguous stances we have taken on Palestine are a far cry from the politics we pride ourselves on.

Picture from http://www.dianeabbott.org.uk

Diane Abbott is Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington and a candidate for the Labour Party Leadership.