A Labour councillor in Stroud has quit the party over comments made by Sir Keir Starmer about the Israel-Gaza war.
Jessie Hoskin declared she could no longer stand for Labour after Starmer refused to condemn what she called “war crimes against Palestinian people”.
In a recent LBC interview, the Labour leader said “Israel has the right” to withhold power and water from the Gaza Strip.
MPs and council leaders have also been ordered not to attend Palestine protests.
Taking to Facebook, Hoskin said: “All targeting of civilian life should be condemned.
“Two million Palestinians in Gaza, who had nothing to do with Hamas’ actions, should not be punished collectively for it.
“We are witnessing atrocities, and he has not apologised since,” she said.
A large evacuation is currently under way in Gaza as Israel prepares for an attack.
Israel has warned 1.1 million people living in the north end of the Gaza Strip to evacuate.
Hoskin said: “The Labour Party is no longer consistent with the values of human dignity, equality and a world where everyone is safe.
“We need to be looking at solutions that will protect Palestinian and Israeli lives, uphold international law and push towards a horizon where everyone is safe,” she added.
Hoskin said she planned to remain a councillor for Cainscross, but sit as an independent.
Her decision means Labour no longer holds a majority in Stroud after a number of councillors left, reportedly in opposition to Starmer’s leadership.
