LABOUR leader Sir Keir Starmer’s refusal to call for a ceasefire in Israel’s murderous attacks on Gaza has been condemned as “sickening” and a “stain on the Labour Party” in a growing rebellion which is severely undermining his authority.

Left-wing group Momentum condemned the party leader following reports that 20 Labour council groups and 13 shadow ministers have now defied Sir Keir and have called for an immediate ceasefire.

Thirty-four Labour councillors have resigned.

Labour’s most senior Muslim politicians, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, ignored Sir Keir and backed a ceasefire on Friday morning, rapidly followed by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, together with the leaders of 10 local councils.

Shadow ministers defying Labour’s leader include Jess Phillips and Naz Shah, who have backed a ceasefire, with Ms Shah criticising Israel’s “disproportionate attacks on a civilian population,” saying “this is not defence.” 

As Israel’s assault continues it has been reported that a child in Gaza is being killed every 15 minutes. The enclave’s death toll now exceeds 8,000.

It is understood the Labour councillors and MPs were told by the leadership not to attend pro-Palestine demonstrations but many have ignored the order.

Labour MPs Apsana Begum, Richard Burgon, Andy McDonald, John McDonnell, Zarah Sultana and Bell Ribeiro-Addy all addressed the 500,000-strong Palestine solidarity demonstration on Saturday, alongside Jeremy Corbyn, Diane Abbott and trade union leaders.

Momentum co-chairwoman Kate Dove said: “Every day that Keir Starmer fails to back a ceasefire is another black mark against his name, and a moral stain on the Labour Party.

“It is clear that Starmer is wholly out of touch with his own party, as well as the British public, in his opposition to a ceasefire and support for more Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip.

“As our councillors, mayors, MPs and voters all unite behind a ceasefire, how can the Labour leadership support more killings of innocent Palestinian civilians?”

A poll last week found that the overwhelming majority of British voters back an immediate ceasefire, including 89 per cent of Labour voters. Just 3 per cent of Labour voters are opposed to a ceasefire.