By Aysu Bicer
LONDON (AA) — Former UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on Wednesday called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory.
"An entire culture, history, and people are disappearing under the rubble – buried by the moral cowardice of our political leaders," Corbyn said on X adding his voice to the growing international chorus for an end to the ongoing conflict.
"Artists whose work we will never know. Teachers whose lessons we will never learn. Children whose laughter we will never hear."
"We must keep raising our voice for an immediate ceasefire. For the universal application of international law. For our shared humanity. For the only path to a just and lasting peace: an end to the occupation of Palestine," he added.
The conflict in Gaza began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack on Oct. 7 that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air. Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.
The Israeli military then launched a relentless air campaign against the Gaza Strip.
At least 6,546 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while more than 1,400 people have been killed in Israel, according to officials.