UK Labour Party calls for 'immediate humanitarian ceasefire' in Gaza to avoid split

The UK Labour Party has called for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in Gaza as it seeks to prevent a split among its MPs on the issue.

On Wednesday, parliament is set to vote on an opposition Scottish National Party motion calling for an immediate ceasefire.

In an apparent bid to avoid another split on the issue among its MPs, the party drafted its own amendment that calls for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire."

"Our amendment calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, in line with our allies," a spokesperson said, according to Reuters.

"We need the hostages released and returned. We need the fighting to stop now. We need a massive humanitarian aid programme for Gaza. And any military action in Rafah cannot go ahead."

The move marks a shift from earlier policy, in which the party leadership called for a "lasting ceasefire."