Labour criticised for backing Rochdale candidate after offensive Israel remark

Azhar Ali , Labour candidate in Rochdale byelection, has been forced to apologise for comments.

He said Israel allowed Hamas to attack Gaza to provide grounds to invade Gaza .

Ali was recorded saying Israel had relaxed security after warnings of imminent threat.

He has since apologised for the “deeply offensive’s remarks, which he said were ignorant, ignorant and false’ Labour has stood by him, saying his comments were “completely wrong’.