The UK has suspended British-Nigerian minister and MP Kate Osamor following her accusation of Israel engaging in genocide on the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day. In her weekly newsletter, Osamor suggested adding Gaza to the list of ‘recent genocides,’ sparking outrage. She later apologized on social media, acknowledging Holocaust Memorial Day as a remembrance for the six million Jews and other genocide victims.
The Board of Deputies, Jewish Labour Movement, and Holocaust Educational Trust criticized her remarks.
The Labour Party suspended Osamor from the Parliamentary Labour Party pending an investigation. The Campaign Against Antisemitism supported the party’s action, citing the International Definition of Antisemitism.
The Jewish Labour Movement called Osamor’s statement inappropriate, co-opting the Gaza conflict onto the genocide list. The International Court of Justice ruled that Israel must prevent genocidal acts in Gaza but didn’t order an immediate halt.
Israel’s retaliatory attacks in Gaza, according to Hamas, have claimed 25,900 lives, mostly women and children. The conflict began after Hamas attacked southern Israel in October, resulting in civilian casualties and hostages.
