Ed Miliband urges Israelis and Palestinians to “return to the negotiating table”

Over the past 9 days violence in both Israel and Palestine has increased, leaving an estimated 227 Palestinians and 1 Israeli dead. With the latest rumours of a ceasefire between the two sides proving false, Ed Miliband has called for both side to return to the negotiating table:

“The terrible events unfolding in Gaza and Israel have already led to the loss of hundreds of lives. It is imperative that the firing of rockets into Israel must cease. Like any country, Israel has the right to defend its citizens from such attacks.

 But the loss of life we are seeing of Palestinian children and civilians is truly horrific and simply cannot be justified. These latest attacks began after the appalling and indefensible murder of innocent Israeli teenagers. The underlying cause is the failure over decades to achieve a two state solution for two peoples. 

So the priority must now be an immediate end to the violence and a return to the negotiating table.  Only a swift and enduring ceasefire, respected by both sides, can prevent further loss of life.”