WASHINGTON -- The British Labour Party opposes Israel's ground invasion of Gaza, the party's leader Ed Miliband told The Huffington Post on Monday.
Miliband met with President Barack Obama and National Security Adviser Susan Rice at the White House Monday afternoon, and said that Gaza was among the issues discussed.
"We oppose the Israeli incursion into Gaza," Miliband said.
Polls show that Miliband is a strong candidate to become British prime minister in next year's general election in May, as his party is currently ahead in the parliamentary race.
Miliband said the incursion into Gaza is likely to help Hamas' recruiting efforts, and undermines Israel in the eyes of the international community. "I don't think it will help win Israel friends," he said. "I don't think this will make the situation better. I fear it will make it worse."
Over the weekend Miliband criticized the loss of innocent lives resulting from the Israeli invasion. "As a party we oppose the further escalation of violence we have seen with Israel's invasion of Gaza," he said. "I defend Israel's right to defend itself against rocket attacks. But I cannot explain, justify or defend the horrifying deaths of hundreds of Palestinians, including children and innocent civilians."
Miliband told HuffPost that the current violence highlights the dangers inherent in a broken peace process.
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