The horrific violence experienced by worshippers over Ramadan in Sheikh Jarrah, Gaza and Israel has caused distress to many of my constituents and many of them have contacted me about this matter in recent days. I am deeply concerned at Israel’s actions and by the conflict which rapidly escalated and left millions of Palestinians and Israelis living in constant fear.
Now that a ceasefire has been agreed, it is vital that there is a coordinated international effort to bringing a return to negotiations towards securing a two-state solution. This process should involve an early end to the Israeli government’s blockade, so that vital humanitarian aid can reach those in Gaza whose suffering will have been made worse by the recent outbreak of violence.
Activities such as violations of international law, along with forced evictions of Palestinians and the expansion of illegal settlements must stop. Rocket attacks against Israel must also stop. These things make a lasting peace harder to achieve.
Palestinians and Israelis have the right to live their lives without fear, and in safety and security. The unacceptable outbreak of violence over the last couple of weeks has done nothing to move towards the realisation of that right.
Barry Sheerman 