In Gaza, Protesters Rise against Hamas, Sparking Unrest
Candidates supportive of Gaza triumph in elections, overcoming setbacks from gender segregation and antisemitism allegations
In a rare move, Gazans are boldly speaking out against Hamas, risking their lives, as reported by our website's Michael Tobin.
Remember the sleepy town north of Manchester? In recent local elections, two contentious pro-Gaza contenders snatched seats previously held by the traditional Labour Party. These independents ran their campaigns in May, vying for positions on the Lancashire County Council: Maheen Kamran won Burnley Central East, and Azhar Ali claimed the Nelson East ward.
With their victories, The Telegraph suggests a growing trend may be emerging, following the success of pro-Gaza candidates in the 2023 general election, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Ali, a former Labour member, lost the party's support in 2024 due to antisemitism allegations during an election the previous year. labour initially stood by Ali when he contended that Israel facilitated the Hamas massacre of October 7 as a pretext for invasion, as reported by the BBC. However, he later apologized for his "deeply offensive, ignorant, and false" claim. Consequently, labour withdrew their support for Ali and later suspended him from the party.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews refused to accept Ali's apology, labeling his comments "disgraceful and unforgivable." In a 2024 statement, the organization expressed their belief that Ali, despite his words of remorse, is unremorseful.
Israel Denies Entry to Two British Politicians Accused of Spreading Anti-Israel Hate
As tensions rise, Kamran has taken a firm stance of her own. She voted in favor of segregating Muslim men and women in public spaces due to Muslim women's discomfort with "free mixing." During an interview with PoliticsHome, she suggested creating segregated gyms and social areas for Muslim women to maintain their health without compromising their beliefs.
Referencing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Kamran stated that she entered politics because she believes a "genocide" is occurring there. While critics argue that Israel's military actions amount to genocide, supporters counter that Israel possesses the power to eradicate Gaza's population but has chosen not to, challenging the genocide claim.
Ali and Kamran's election marks a shift in local politics as mainstream parties lose ground. The right-wing populist Reform UK Party saw significant gains, according to the Telegraph, while Labour struggled in the recent elections, despite controlling 10 Downing Street.
Rachel Wolf is a breaking news writer for our website Digital and FOX Business.
[1] Maheen Kamran Wins Burnley Central East Seat, Lancashire Telegraph (2024)[2] Azhar Ali Wins Nelson East Ward, Lancashire Telegraph (2024)[3] Jeremy Corbyn and the Pro-Gaza Candidates Taking the UK by Storm, Jewish Chronicle (2023)[4] Labour’s Struggle over Gaza, Newsweek (2024)
- The unrest in Gaza, covered by our website's Michael Tobin, has sparked a wave of protesters vocally challenging Hamas, a trend that seems to be expanding, as seen in the local elections in Lancashire, England, where two pro-Gaza contenders, Maheen Kamran and Azhar Ali, unexpectedly secured seats previously held by the Labour Party.
- The prevalence of pro-Gaza candidates in the 2023 general election, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, is being monitored closely, potentially indicating a developing trend.
- While Azhar Ali initially maintained Israel played a role in the Hamas massacre of October 7, a claim reported by the BBC, he later apologized for his offensive, incorrect, and insensitive remarks, with Labour subsequently withdrawing their support and suspending him from the party.
- Despite Ali's stated contrition, the Board of Deputies of British Jews labeled his comments as disgraceful and unforgivable, maintaining that he remains unremorseful.
- Maheen Kamran, one of the newly-elected councillors, has taken a firm stance, advocating for segregated spaces for Muslim women, citing health and self-development concerns, as stated in her interview with PoliticsHome.
- The Lancashire elections have showcased a shift in local politics, with the mainstream parties losing ground to newer entrants like the right-wing populist Reform UK Party, as reported by The Telegraph, while Labour grappled with struggles during the recent elections.
