The appalling suffering of the people of Gaza is intolerable… and must end

The appalling suffering of the people of Gaza is intolerable, unjustifiable and must end. An immediate ceasefire must be reached, humanitarian aid must be permitted to enter Gaza unhindered and urgently and illegal settlements must be dismantled. The hostages must be released and there must be negotiation towards a political settlement and the reconstruction of Gaza.

An election will take place in Israel next year, and every poll since 7 October points to Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition being ejected from office which presents an opportunity for those who seek peace in the Middle East to influence in whatever way we can what we hope is a new government in waiting.

I was recently part of a parliamentary delegation to Israel and the Occupied Territories. We met political leaders on both sides including the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah and politicians of all parties at the Knesset. The hostages have now been held for more than 600 days and there has been intolerable destruction in Gaza with tens of thousands of dead. I returned determined to do whatever I can for this conflict to end, for Netanyahu’s government to be removed from power and for a diplomatic solution resulting in safe, secure and separate States of Israel and Palestine.