Stephen’s latest statement on events at the Al-Aqsa mosque
“I have been deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in Jerusalem, Gaza and Israel over recent weeks. I am appalled by the Hamas rocket attacks and Israeli air strikes which have killed so many civilians, including children. The inter-communal violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories is also horrifying.
“I am relieved that a ceasefire has now been agreed between Hamas and Israel. It is vital that this agreement is honoured. There is no military solution to this conflict and I believe the root causes of the violence should now be addressed.
“I am deeply concerned about the situation in East Jerusalem. The forced evictions in Sheikh Jarrah must stop and I condemn attempts by Israeli settlers to take control of Palestinian homes. East Jerusalem has been illegally annexed: Israel is the occupying power, which creates obligations that the Israeli Government is not meeting. Israel must comply with international law. The UK Government should make urgent representations to the Israeli Government to halt all evictions in East Jerusalem, change planning laws that discriminate against Palestinians and suspend the construction of all other settlements in East Jerusalem and elsewhere in the West Bank immediately.
“I was shocked to see the violence used against worshippers gathered during Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque – this was totally unacceptable. It is essential that sacred sites of all faiths are treated with the utmost respect and that there is no repeat of incidents such as those we have seen recently.
“I also believe there must be a renewed focus on negotiating a two-state solution that ensures a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. For the UK Government’s part, this should include an acceptance of the need to recognise Palestine as a state, as nearly 140 other countries have done.
“I will continue to follow developments closely.”