Sir Keir Starmer has been rocked by further unrest today, as Labour MPs on the left of the party have tabled an amendment to the King's Speech calling for a ceasefire, in an attempt to try to force a vote on the floor of the Commons.
This comes just hours after frontbencher Imran Hussain resigned from his post over the party's position on the conflict.
While it is unlikely to pass, a vote on the issue would show the scale of support from Starmer's MPs for a ceasefire.
The amendment will only go to a vote if it is selected by the Commons Speaker next week. Just four amendments can be selected for a vote.
But an official on the left of the party told Politico that they will explore other routes if it is not selected.
This could include lending support for an Opposition Day debate brought by the SNP.
Starmer has faced growing criticism for his refusal to call a ceasefire, but the Labour leader has argued that doing so would serve to "embolden Hamas".
Instead, the Labour leader has mirrored the Government's position in calling for "humanitarian pauses" to allow aid and supplies to reach impacted zones, and civilians to escape.
Hussain, who stepped down from his role as shadow minister for the New Deal for Working People last night, said it had become clear that his view on Gaza “differs substantially’’ from that of the Labour leader.
In a letter to Starmer, posted to X, Hussain wrote: "Yesterday the United Nations Secretary-General warned that Gaza is becoming a ‘graveyard for children'.
“Given the crisis unfolding, I wish to be a strong advocate for a humanitarian ceasefire.
“It is clear that I cannot sufficiently, in all good conscience, do this from the frontbench given its current position.”
In his letter, Hussain also said he was "deeply troubled" by comments the Labour leader made on LBC, accusing him of "appearing to endorse actions by the Israeli military".
He added: "Whilst I appreciate your subsequent statements to clarify your comments and the increased emphasis being placed on addressing the desperate situation in Gaza, and whilst we both want to end the bloodshed, I believe the party needs to go further and call for a ceasefire."
In an interview with LBC last month, Starmer said that "Israel has the right" to withhold power and water from Palestinian civilians.
But he added: "Obviously, everything should be done within international law".
In a statement posted to X in the following days, Starmer called on "all parties to act in line with international law, including allowing humanitarian access of food, water, electricity and medicines to Gaza and ensuring safe humanitarian corridors in Gaza for those fleeing violence".
There are thought to be around five other frontbenchers considering resigning over the issue, and Hussain's resignation is likely to add to the pressure for them to do the same.
Imran Hussain stepped down from his role as shadow minister for the New Deal for Working People last night
PA
Tensions in the Labour Party reached a boiling point over the weekend after 11 councillors in Burnley - including the council leader - quit the party.
This takes the total number of councillors who have resigned over the issue to more than 40.
Anwar and the Burnley group issued a statement, saying: "It has become apparent that Keir Starmer and the leadership either cannot or will not heed our concerns or acknowledge the sentiments within our communities."
