Douglas Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, said:

“Labour opposes the escalation of this conflict. The all too familiar pattern of periodic invasion and permanent blockade results in terrible suffering for the population of Gaza and yet does not bring security for Israel.

“On Monday I warned that a full ground invasion of Gaza would be a strategic error for Israel and would run the very real risk of being a disaster for the peoples of Gaza and Israel.

“This escalation will result in more loss of life, and in time will recruit more supporters to terrorist groups like Hamas.‎ This is counter-productive when Hamas is already seriously weakened by disputes with Iran over Syria,  the destruction of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, and its own misrule in Gaza.

“We defend Israel’s right to defend itself against rocket attacks, but pursuing a doctrine of deterrence which results in hundreds of innocent Palestinians being killed will simply leave Israel more isolated not more secure.

“With two Israelis and 258 Palestinians having already been killed, and with an ever growing number of innocent civilians being killed or injured, this operation risks simply fuelling violence and reprisals against Israel.‎

“There can be no military solution to this conflict. The priority must be agreeing an immediate ceasefire, protecting civilians and stopping the bloodshed.”