The scenes in Israel and Gaza over the last two years have been heartbreaking. We have been appalled by the massacres and rapes at a music festival and ordinary Palestinian civilians dying in large numbers in Israeli actions and being denied food and water.

The Israeli and Palestinian people deserve better than this and we should do more to support them and efforts to bring people together in grassroots campaigns.

We saw how Northern Ireland unions and peace groups united Catholics and Protestants. They did so much for many years to isolate and eventually defeat paramilitaries.

Many Palestinian and Israeli groups have worked together for many years. That could bolster a two-state solution, which would allow secure and viable Palestinian and Israeli states to co-exist and come to co-operate.

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In the meantime, these are dark days for ordinary Palestinians and Israelis. But most countries in the Middle East accept the need for the existence of Israel and Palestine. Leading Arab countries recognise that economic co-operation with Israel is in their interests and many have recognised Israel.

The main problem has been Iranian imperialism’s efforts over many years to encircle and attack Israel. The regime may one day be overthrown by its long suffering people. A new democratic government in Iran would change the equation for the better.

Many people are deeply worried by what they see and I understand those who protest for the return of Israeli hostages and for an end to Israeli military action in Gaza. That is a democratic right.

However, some go much further. I backed the proscription of a small group following persuasive arguments from the Security Minister that it had shown intent to use violence against people and property. That is not a legitimate part of seeking to influence the government.

I will continue to lend my voice in Parliament to the case for a two-state solution and support the work of Israelis and Palestinians to live together in peace.