UK aims to restore Gaza ceasefire 'as soon as possible'

The UK has said it will use its diplomatic influence to restore the ceasefire in Gaza "as soon as possible" after Israel killed more than 300 Palestinians without warning, unilaterally ending its ceasefire with Hamas.

Tuesday's attack, which targeted Palestinians displaced by the conflict, was one of the bloodiest bombardments of the Gaza Strip since the war began.

Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday morning, Pat McFadden, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said the Labour government would "use the diplomatic influence we have to try to get that ceasefire restored as soon as possible".

His comments came shortly after Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Monday - before the assault - that the Israeli government had committed "a breach of international law" by blocking humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. 

Asked about the blockade and its consequences, Lammy said: "This is a breach of international law. Israel quite rightly must defend its own security. But we find the lack of aid – it's now been 15 days since aid got into Gaza – unacceptable, hugely alarming and very worrying."

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