US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice is currently in the Middle East to try and save Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Medical sources say at least 112 Palestinians - including children - have been killed since Wednesday. Three Israelis have also died in recent days - a civilian and two soldiers. This recent outbreak of violence and bloodshed in Gaza has been triggered by Hamas. Innocent people continue to be killed and wounded around the Gaza Strip.
When I was in Israel a few months ago, I saw some of this for myself as I held some of the rockets that daily were landing in Israel from the Gaza Strip. As we travelled around the West Bank and also as we stood on the Golan Heights - with Syria on one side and Lebanon on the other - it was clear to see how security issues have become part of everyday life. What is disturbing though, is the impact that violence has on the next generation. We visited a school near the Gaza Strip and saw how they are impacted ... always having to play in secure covered areas which are protected.
It is so important that communication takes place and that some peace deal is reached. Peace cannot be sabotaged by the few who want to reject peace ... or more families will suffer and more lives will be lost.
(With me above is Kulveer Ranger, who previously lived in Hounslow and now is Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party for Cities)
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