Thank you to everyone who has continued to contact me with their concerns about the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza.

Considering how the situation has worsened and the work I have been able to do in Parliament so far on this issue, I felt it necessary to provide an updated statement.

Due to the number of emails I have received to express views on the crisis, I am sending a mass response rather than writing to everyone individually.

To begin, I want to reiterate my condolences for those who have lost loved ones on both sides of this crisis. Israelis and Palestinians have suffered immense tragedies these last few weeks, and I again call for sensitivity and empathy when discussing the ongoing hostilities.

We must have immediate humanitarian pauses in the conflict, so that aid and support for the people of Gaza can be delivered effectively to the people who need it and so we can prevent this devastating humanitarian crisis from worsening. Food, water, fuel, and medicine must be delivered urgently to support those caught in the crossfire.

Any actions taken must fall within international law. I condemn the targeting of civilian targets by both sides, and support efforts to ensure that these hostilities do not escalate into wider conflict in the region.

I again call for a renewed diplomatic push towards a two-state solution, which treats both sides with the respect that they deserve and listens to their grievances to find a compromise that will bring about peace. A political and diplomatic solution is the only long-term solution to this crisis. Israelis and Palestinians both deserve to be able to live in safe and prosperous societies.

I have spoken in Parliament on this issue, to make clear my views and to support those suffering.

In Parliament, during FCDO Questions, I raised my concerns about the severe humanitarian crisis occurring in Gaza and expressed my appreciation for the work of Medical Aid for Palestinians, an organisation which held a vigil earlier this week in memory of the more than 2000 children killed in Gaza since the beginning of the Israeli military operation.

I spoke in support of the children of Gaza in Parliament and called on the Government to provide more aid to the Palestinians in Gaza, and to push for a rapid end to this conflict.

You can see my full question on my website here.

I also attended the debate on Israel and Gaza on Monday, but due to the number of MPs in attendance, I was not called upon to speak.

I will continue to raise this issue in Parliament at every opportunity and promote a peaceful and just resolution to this conflict. Please note that, due to my position on the Shadow Frontbench, I am unable to sign any Early Day Motions (EDMs).

I understand that, since my previous statement, many more of you have written to me. For those who have not seen my previous statement, please see the link to my website here.