As Gaza faced more Israeli shelling and air strikes overnight, more than 800 Palestinians have now been killed, as well as 34 Israelis. In light of the continuing conflict, I asked this question to the Prime Minister on Monday:

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Hundreds of my constituents have contacted me expressing their horror at what is happening in Gaza, and I share that horror. This is-yet again-a disproportionate response from Israel. Does the Prime Minister agree that the collective punishment of the Palestinians, which has seen many hundreds die, including many dozens of children, is disproportionate and a war crime? People watching this debate today will see that his response has been wholly inadequate.

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His reply, I believe, was entirely unsatisfactory:

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Our response has been very clear to the Israelis: they have to obey the norms of international law, act proportionately, exercise restraint and avoid civilian casualties.

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The Israeli armed forces have not, in the now 18 day-long conflict,•obeyed the norms of international law,exercised restraint•or•avoided civilian casualties, and the Prime Minster should have condemned their actions. You can the entire exchange•here.