ON the day the European Parliament in Strasbourg debates the ongoing crisis in Gaza, West Midlands Labour MEP Neena Gill called on European leaders today to take a tougher stance against the Israeli actions.

Speaking after the debate this afternoon, Neena said: “I am disappointed that all immediate calls for a ceasefire are falling on deaf ears.

"This is not about taking sides, it is about putting a stop to what is rapidly becoming a humanitarian crisis of intolerable proportions.”

As fighting has intensified over recent days, so has international condemnation of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Neena added: “Hamas must stop their rocket attacks but Israel must at the very least respect the principles of international law.

"If it does not do so, Israel will lose any remaining support in has within the international community.

“Israel must return to its commitment to a two-state solution with the Palestinians.

"Israel is one of the region’s most powerful states and they must take responsibility and leadership in working towards a true and lasting peace.

"This is why I must welcome the moves taken by the EU’s ambassador to Israel today to suspend the upgrading of relations between the EU and Israel.”