Labour’s candidate in the Rochdale by election has been forced to apologise after he claimed that Israel deliberately allowed 1,400 of its citizens to be massacred on October 7 in order to give it the ‘green light’ to invade Gaza
Azhar Ali also claimed that Sir Keir Starmer had ‘lost the confidence’ of his MPs over his stance on the conflict.
The comments were reported in this morning’s Mail On Sunday and following a meeting shortly after the 7th October attacks
Mr Ali issued a statement to The Mail on Sunday, saying: ‘I apologise unreservedly to the Jewish community for my comments which were deeply offensive, ignorant, and false.I will urgently apologise to Jewish leaders for my inexcusable comments.The Labour Party has changed unrecognisably under Keir Starmer’s leadership – he has my full support in delivering the change Britain needs.’
Former Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk who is standing at a candidate for the Reform Party said on X this morning
I’m sickened by the Rochdale Labour Candidate’s views on Israel, they’re disgusting and antisemitic.It’s surprising Keir Starmer believes he is suitable to represent our town. The vast majority of Rochdale people will find Azhar Ali’s views abhorrent.
Ali later put out a statement on X
I apologise unreservedly to the Jewish community for my comments which were deeply offensive, ignorant, and false. Hamas’ horrific terror attack was the responsibility of Hamas alone, and they are still holding hostages who must be released.
Adding
October 7th was the greatest loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust, and Jews in the UK and across the world are living in fear of rising antisemitism. I will urgently apologise to Jewish leaders for my inexcusable comments.
