Earlier this month, across England and Wales, people went to the polls in local and mayoral elections in what was seen by many as a trial run for the next United Kingdom general election expected later this year.

At first glance, the results appeared to be in line with the widespread predictions of a Labour landslide at the upcoming general election. The main opposition party won big, while the governing Conservatives lost in more than half of the races they fought. However, a closer look at the voting trends, especially in areas that hold strategic importance, revealed a different reality that must concern the Labour central office: The party did not win big enough margins to feel assured that it would be able to form a majority government under the United Kingdom’s first-past-the-post electoral system in the coming months.

Indeed, while the Labour Party unquestionably increased their vote in most areas, and even won control of councils in places they have not won for decades, they also saw a decrease in their vote in crucial areas with a high number of students and Muslims.

These two demographics, who have traditionally been loyal to the party, have been clear as to why they have decided to move away from Labour: Gaza.

The Labour Party’s approach to Israel’s war on Gaza has been found wanting since the beginning. Indeed, the official party line has........

© Al Jazeera