Labour’s rebellion against Sir Keir Starmer’s stance on Israel has started after two Shadow Ministers tendered their resignations ahead of tonight’s landmark ceasefire vote.

Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi and Manchester Gorton MP Afzal Khan quit over the “carnage” in the Middle East.

Qureshi said: “The scale of bloodshed in Gaza is unprecedented. Tonight, I will vote for an immediate ceasefire.

“We must call for an end to the carnage to protect innocents lives and end human suffering.

“With regret, I have stepped down as Shadow Women and Equalities Minister.”

In her letter to the Leader of the Opposition, the 60-year-old expressed her “deep regret” and condemned the “atrocities” committed by Hamas.

Qureshi, who claimed the attack could not justify Israel’s response, said: “The situation in Gaza desperately requires an immediate ceasefire to address the humanitarian catastrophe and to advance moves towards a political solution that brings freedom, prosperity and security.”

Khan added: “The actions we have seen by the Israeli Government in retaliation have been indiscriminate and amounts to the collective punishment of Palestinians.”