Amidst the War on Terror and threat from Al Qaeda , Livingstone sought to improve ties with London 's Muslim community , agreeing to meet with Islamist groups like the Muslim Association of Britain alongside moderate organisations . In July 2004 , he attended a conference discussing France 's ban on the burka at which he talked alongside Islamist cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi . Livingstone described al-Qaradawi as " one of the most authoritative Muslim scholars in the world today " and argued that his influence could help stop the radicalisation of young British Muslims . Jewish and LGBT organisations criticised Livingstone for this , citing al-Qaradawi 's record of anti-Semitic and homophobic remarks , with the meeting leading to an argument between Livingstone and former supporter Peter Tatchell . Livingstone continued to champion the Palestinian cause in the Israel-Palestine conflict , in March 2005 accusing Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of being a " war criminal " responsible for the 1982 Sabra and Shatila massacre
Sabra and Shatila massacre
Sabra and Shatila massacre
Ken Livingstone