Last night’s attack on Al-Ahli Arabi Baptist hospital was devastating.

There is never an excuse for attacking innocent civilians. The facts must be established, and those responsible must be held accountable under international law.  As my Labour colleagues and I have repeatedly urged, everything possible must be done to get vital humanitarian aid into Gaza and to lift the blocks on food, water, fuel, and electricity.

I have watched in horror the events unfold since Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israeli men, women, and children – the biggest single loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust.  Hamas must immediately release the hostages so cruelly taken, and all parties must act in line with international law and protect innocent civilians caught up in this unbearable situation.