The Bains Agenda

The Israel/Palestine issue has cut through all else in world politics since October 7. In the UK, for the first time, four MPs were elected solely on that platform.

Since Hamas’ attack, around 17,000 children have died in Palestine. It is clear that there is a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

That being said, it is simultaneously true that Hamas are not innocent victims and Israel serves Western interests.

However, the left wing prime minister Pedro Sanchez in Spain shows exactly how to do it. Sanchez has recognised the state of Palestine, condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide,” called for international sanctions and suspended arms sales and imports to and from Israel.

He has also condemned October 7 and Hamas and called for a two state solution.

I am not arguing Sanchez is perfect; I am no expert on Spanish politics. However, his stance shows how a leader of a major Western power can have a position on Palestine that avoids voter disquiet, centers humanity, strongly opposes Israel and does not advocate for Hamas.

If Starmer were to take such a position, he would not have the electoral mess he has on his hands nor be complicit in murders of those abroad.

Corbyn’s positioning which is idiotic halfway statements about Hamas and horrible handling of an antisemitism crisis (whether manufactured or otherwise he did not help himself) is also not to be emulated.

Sanchez has played his hand perfectly and does not have anger over his positions nor antisemitism accusations like Labour politicians in the UK. It is possible to have a position on this issue which satisfies a majority; it’s really not too hard.

In the UK, our news media rarely discusses international politics beyond the USA but perhaps if we looked closer to home for advice, we wouldn’t be in such a mess.