The ongoing conflict in Gaza has not only influenced international relations but has also intensified internal factional struggles within the British Labour Party. A recent book, Get In, authored by journalists Patrick Maguire and Gabrielle Pogrund, sheds light on the labyrinthine dynamics within Labour, particularly in the wake of the tragic events of October 7, 2023, when a significant massacre occurred that has since had profound repercussions.

This well-researched volume meticulously outlines the ascent of Sir Keir Starmer, a prominent human rights lawyer, who previously served as the Director of Public Prosecutions, to his current role as the British Prime Minister. It also delves into the pivotal role played by strategist Morgan McSweeney, who has been instrumental in shaping Starmer's political landscape and fortifying his leadership.

Chapters 17 and 18 of the book, dedicated to the topics of Israel and Palestine, span 48 pages and detail the dramatic shifts within the Labour Party following the October massacre. At that time, Labour leader Starmer was poised at the zenith of his influence, enjoying a commanding position in the polls as the Conservative Party, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, was grappling with a loss of public confidence due to various scandals that had engulfed his predecessors, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.

Starmer's leadership journey has been marked by a significant shift away from the ideologies of his predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn, who had previously been expelled from the party for his failure to address an independent inquiry's findings on antisemitism within Labour. Following Corbyn's departure, Starmer and McSweeney effectively diminished the influence of Corbyn's loyalists, adopting a more centrist and pragmatic approach that sought to distance the party from the more permissive views on terrorism that had characterized Labour under Corbyn's leadership.

In these turbulent political times, Labour enjoyed a clear majority in the polls, as the party was perceived as the likely victor if it could navigate the sensitive political landscape without substantial missteps. Despite this apparent advantage, Starmer maintained a cautious approach in his response to the ongoing violence, firmly defending Israel's right to self-defense under international law. He faced internal pressures to align more closely with the positions of Spain, Ireland, and Norway, which had publicly criticized Israel’s actions, yet he chose to uphold his stance.

McSweeney, born in 1977, had volunteered at Kibbutz Sarid in Israel during the late 1990s, where he gained insights into the complexities of the region. Following the events of October 7, he texted his colleagues, emphasizing that Hamas should prioritize the return of hostages if it genuinely cared for the victims, urging a shift in the narrative toward accountability.

Starmer referred to calls for a ceasefire as “theatrical politics of gestures,” arguing that it was counterproductive as both Israel and Hamas opposed such a measure. This approach reflected his desire to maintain credibility with international partners, indicating a strategic calculation rather than a purely ethical stance.

The Israeli Defense Forces' aggressive military operations in Gaza, following the massacre, exacerbated the already precarious balance within the Labour Party, leading to increased tensions between various factions, including Muslims and Jews, and different ideological groups within the party. Many activists interpreted the public demonstrations in the UK, which some observers deemed anti-Zionist and, at times, tinged with antisemitism, as an attempt to unify a coalition of progressive urbanites, public sector workers, and ethnic minorities amidst an internal power struggle.

On February 21, 2024, the Scottish National Party (SNP), which poses a challenge to Labour for center-left voters in Scotland, introduced a motion in the House of Commons calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. According to Get In, pressure to support this motion emanated from both moderate and right-wing Labour lawmakers, suggesting a shift in the party's political landscape as many members began expressing concerns over the implications of Starmer's obstinacy.

Angela Rayner, a senior Labour figure and Deputy Prime Minister, cautioned her colleagues that intransigence on the issue was putting their safety at risk, referencing potential violent repercussions from those angered by Labour's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Many MPs voiced fears that voting against the ceasefire motion would expose them to threats of violence, a sentiment that underscored the very real dangers inherent in today’s politically charged environment.

Historical context plays a significant role in understanding these fears; the murder of two British MPs in the last decade—Jo Cox in 2016 and David Amess in 2021—demonstrated the vulnerability of politicians in the current climate. The dire warnings from Labour lawmakers about possible reprisals highlight the intersection of political dissent and personal safety.

As the Labour Party navigates these treacherous waters, it faces the dual challenge of maintaining party unity while addressing the legitimate concerns of its constituents and the broader public. The ongoing discourse around radical politics suggests that while the potential for violent backlash looms large, it does not necessitate violent responses from political figures.

Only time will reveal whether Starmer and McSweeney can successfully guide the Labour Party through this tumultuous period and counteract the pervasive spread of violent politics.