THE ongoing crisis and the appalling civilian suffering in Gaza are making the prospect of peace seem distant.

More than 1,800 Palestinians have now died, more than 9,000 injured, tens of thousands have been made homeless and the UN have stated that 180,000 Palestinians have fled the fighting.

However, following the breakdown of Friday’s ceasefire, it is now more important than ever that the international community acts now to get the two sides to agree to a renewed ceasefire, and thereafter to re-establish meaningful negotiations to achieve a two-state solution.

I oppose the Israeli incursion into Gaza. I also believe that the rising death toll of innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza simply cannot be justified. The escalation of violence engulfing Gaza has led, and is leading, to suffering and destruction on an appalling scale.

David Cameron, and the UK Government, should be playing a leading role in efforts to secure peace. I believe the Prime Minister was right to say that Hamas is an appalling, terrorist organisation. Its wholly unjustified rocket attacks on Israeli citizens, as well as the building of tunnels for terrorist purposes, show the organisation’s murderous intent and practice towards Israel and its citizens.

But he was wrong not to have opposed Israel’s incursion into Gaza. And his silence on the killing of hundreds of innocent Palestinian civilians caused by Israel’s military action will be inexplicable to people across Britain and to the international community.

Israel’s present military action will increase the future threats to its security, rather than countering them. Israelis rightly and justifiably want that security, yet their government’s present actions risk growing a new generation bent on revenge.

Sustainable security for Israel cannot be achieved simply by permanent blockade, aerial bombardment and periodic ground incursion. Instead, it requires acknowledging the legitimate claims of Palestinians to statehood, and sustained efforts to secure a viable Palestine alongside a secure Israel.

As for the UK Government, its job now is to develop a collective response and to speak with one voice. We need the clear and unequivocal message that has not so far been provided to be sent from Britain to both sides in this conflict. David Cameron and the Cabinet must put Britain in a leading role in pressuring both sides to end the violence now.