Gaza ceasefire vote: MP Tan Dhesi gets death threats

Slough MP Tan Dhesi voted for a Labour amendment calling for steps towards an "enduring cessation" to the violence

An MP says he received death threats after abstaining on a motion calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war.

Slough MP Tan Dhesi voted for a Labour amendment calling for steps towards an "enduring cessation" to the violence and a two-state solution.

He has vowed to continue advocating an "end to violence".

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer instructed his MPs to abstain on the amendment, though eight shadow ministers resigned to vote for it.

The vote was on an SNP amendment to a government motion on its plans for the year ahead, presented in the King's Speech last week.

It called for an end to the "collective punishment of the Palestinian people" and urged "all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire".

It was defeated by 125 votes to 294, with 56 Labour rebels joining other opposition parties to demand a ceasefire, against the Conservatives who opposed it.

'Abuse and intimidation'

Mr Dhesi says he has since received abuse and death threats over his abstention.

He said: "I have openly called for a ceasefire, but also acknowledge that neither Israel or Hamas are agreeing on one yet, even though a lot of work has been done to hopefully bring an end to these horrors.

"I abstained on all other parties' amendments - as is usual practice - but voted for the comprehensive Labour amendment which was only tabled the night before calling for 'an end to the violence in Israel and Palestine'."

The Labour motion also called for the release of all hostages, the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, and lifting of the siege.

Mr Dhesi added: "Rest assured, despite the abuse and intimidation from some, I will continue to advocate human rights, peace and prosperity - for everyone there and across the world."

Israel launched a major military campaign in the Gaza Strip to destroy Hamas, which it considers a terrorist group, in retaliation for the 7 October cross-border attack by hundreds of gunmen.

At least 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's assault on Israel and about 240 others were taken hostage.

Since Israel started its counter-attack, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry has said 11,500 people have been killed in the territory.

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