I support a lasting ceasefire in the Middle East, for immediate and lasting humanitarian aid to be delivered to those they need it, and for those who have violated international law to be held to account. The physical rebuilding of Gaza will take decades and the emotional rebuilding of the Palestinian peoples will take generations.

I condemn the loss of life of innocent people by Hamas in Israel on 7 October 2023.

The actions of the Government of Israel since this date have not been proportionate. Critique of the actions taken by governments is not a critique of ethnicity nor religion.

Over the past 18 months we have witnessed an 'unprecedented level of killing and injury, which in many instances amounts to war crimes, may constitute crimes against humanity or may constitute genocide, with a failure to comply with fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.' UN Human Rights Office. Tens of thousands of families, parents, siblings and friends living both in the region and across the world mourn the loss of people they have loved with 70% of verified fatalities in Gaza women and children.

Gaza is destroyed from indiscriminate and sustained bombing by the Government of Israel of hospitals, roads, water and power. Recent comments suggesting the relocation of the Palestinian peoples is the very definition of ethnic cleansing.

People of different faiths and cultures have been traumatised and their safety threatened - this is not OK. As a community we must listen with empathy and discuss this conflict with respect. I strongly condemn any form of hate or division, knowing that there is so much more that unites us than divides us.