Following tonight’s debate on a ceasefire in Gaza, I have released the following statement:

The House of Commons now supports a ceasefire. However MPs arrived at this, whatever the scenes that unfolded, we must not forget the source of the suffering and anguish that has driven this fractious debate.

Whether in Israel or Gaza, the ultimate truth is that it is fellow human beings who have been killed in the most awful of ways these past few months. That must end, and all remaining hostages must be released.

Without going into detail about today’s chaotic parliamentary procedures, the bottom line is this. Around 30,000 people in and around Gaza have so far been killed by the Israeli military and many more are in imminent danger from a new potential Israeli offensive in Rafah.

The question we must now consider is what consequences will there be for Israel should it continue, in the face of world opinion, with a ground offensive in Rafah?

Arms embargoes? Sanctions? These are some of the questions MPs must soon begin to consider in depth.

No one questions any country’s right to defend itself, but such defence must abide by the international laws of war and human rights.

If Gaza becomes the new 21st century norm – then it will be the starting gun for a century of climate collapse and barbarism the likes of which we have never seen.

Read my statement on the potential invasion of Rafah here.

Read my open letter to mosques and synagogues in Norwich regarding events in Israel and Gaza here.