Douglas Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, said:

“This temporary ceasefire is a vital and much needed step to halt the ongoing violence and prevent any further loss of life, but it is vital that it is now upheld by both sides.

"The past twenty four days of fighting have seen hundreds of civilians lose their lives, with one in four of those inside Gaza reported to be children.

"Now the international community must unite and put its full support behind efforts to secure a longer term cessation of the violence.

"But when that longer term cessation of violence is secured, the world must not simply turn away.

"The talks due to take place in Cairo must address the underlying causes of this conflict, and explore ways for the international community to step up its efforts to help bring peace and security to the region.”

Ends