Fact Check: Why does Keir Starmer deny the genocide in Gaza

Fact Check: "Why does Keir Starmer deny the genocide in Gaza"

What We Know

The claim that Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the UK, denies the genocide in Gaza stems from his public statements regarding the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region. Starmer has characterized Israel's actions in Gaza as "appalling and intolerable" but has refrained from labeling them as genocide. For instance, in a recent address, he stated that the situation in Gaza is "appalling" and called for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid, but he explicitly avoided using the term "genocide" to describe the actions of the Israeli government (The Guardian).

Moreover, Starmer has consistently maintained that he has "never described what's going on in Gaza as genocide" (The National). His refusal to use this specific terminology has drawn criticism from various quarters, including MPs and humanitarian organizations, who argue that such language is necessary to convey the severity of the situation (Sky News, Independent).

Analysis

The assertion that Starmer "denies the genocide in Gaza" can be misleading. While it is true that he has not used the term "genocide," his statements indicate a recognition of the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His description of the situation as "appalling" and his calls for sanctions against Israeli officials suggest a level of condemnation of the actions taken by Israel (The Guardian, Independent).

Critics argue that by not labeling the situation as genocide, Starmer is downplaying the gravity of the crisis. For example, a letter from Quakers in Britain urged him to acknowledge the situation as genocide, emphasizing the urgent humanitarian catastrophe (Quakers UK). However, Starmer's stance aligns with a broader political context where the term "genocide" is often debated and defined with strict legal criteria. His Foreign Secretary has indicated that using the term could undermine its seriousness, reflecting a cautious approach to international relations and legal definitions (The National).

The reliability of the sources discussing Starmer's statements varies. Major news outlets like The Guardian and Sky News provide well-sourced reporting, while advocacy groups and opinion pieces may carry inherent biases. Therefore, while the claim that Starmer denies genocide is based on his refusal to use the term, it lacks nuance regarding his overall position on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that Keir Starmer denies the genocide in Gaza is misleading. While he has not used the term "genocide" to describe the situation, he has condemned the actions of the Israeli government and called for humanitarian aid and sanctions. His refusal to label the conflict as genocide reflects a cautious political stance rather than a denial of the severity of the humanitarian crisis.

Sources

1. Quakers in Britain - Call to Act on Gaza Genocide
2. The Guardian - Keir Starmer calls Israel's recent actions in Gaza 'appalling'
3. The National - Keir Starmer 'refuses' to describe Gaza bombardment as 'genocide'
4. Truthout - UK, 24 Countries Say Gaza War “Must End Now”
5. Sky News - Sir Keir Starmer refuses to say whether 'genocide' is taking place
6. Independent - Starmer resists pressure to describe war in Gaza as ‘genocide’
7. Jacobin - Keir Starmer's Palestine Action Ban Is a Threat to Democracy
8. GLAN - Gaza is enduring a genocide: GLAN statement at High Court