I am seriously concerned at the recent tragic escalation of violence in the Gaza region, and I believe that an immediate ceasefire agreed by both sides is crucial. It is deeply disturbing that so many Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in this latest violence, the majority of whom are civilians and many of whom are children. The attacks on UN premises are completely unacceptable.

There can be no justification either for the indiscriminate rocket fire from Gaza against Israeli civilians or for the ruthless Israeli attackson the Palestinian population in Gaza. This is causing a dangerous security situation which cannot continue, and I condemn all atrocities or human rights abuses carried out by either side in this conflict.

I recognise that the people of Israel have the absolute right to live without constant fear for their security. However, the people of Gaza have the fundamental right to live in peace and security too, and the Palestinian civilian population cannot be held responsible for the actions of Hamas. Around 400,000 people in Gaza currently live without access to electricity, and stocks of fuel and medical supplies are running dangerously low. International humanitarian law must be upheld and Israel should lift its blockade of Gaza to ease this human suffering.

The only hope of breaking this cycle of violence is a return to peace negotiations.  My Lib Dem colleagues and I are committed to a negotiated peace settlement, which includes a genuine two-state solution, with Israel returned to its pre-1967 borders, save for mutually agreed land swaps, Jerusalem as the capital of both states, and a just settlement for refugees. I fear the recent violence can only set back the time when a lasting peace solution can be enacted.

 I have contacted the Department for International Development with my concerns, and that of many of my constituents, and have informed me they will be making available emergency support including health care, clean water, blankets and cooking equipment. The support builds on existing crucial programmes at this time of crisis including essential services to Palestinian refugees across the Middle East and support for UN Relief and Works Agency to help provide health services to the 70% of the Gazan population who are Palestinian refugees and to shelter those fleeing the fighting.

 Work is happening with the UN Access Coordination Unit to support liaising with authorities on all sides to get medical and emergency cases out of Gaza and help to get essential supplies in.