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Will Gaza Sway Rochdale’s By-Election?

Since 7 October Britain’s Labour party has faced backlash from Muslim voters over its reluctance to call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

With the general election around the corner this year, this political backlash could be felt especially in the north-west town of Rochdale where a by-election was triggered last month.

The Labour candidate, Azhar Ali, was suspended by the party’s leader, Keir Starmer, for claiming that Israel allowed Hamas to commit the 7 October attacks. Now, George Galloway, who is known for his anti-war and pro-Palestine stance, has been dubbed the bookmaker’s favourite to win. He is standing for the Workers Party of Britain

Journalist Aina J Khan travelled to Rochdale to ask British Muslim voters about their thoughts on Labour and Gaza ahead of the by-election on 29 February.
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