I try to mix up local and national issues in these columns but this week – along with the rest of the world – my thoughts are further afield in the Middle East. I was horrified by Hamas’s appalling attacks on Israel. There can never be any justification for terrorism. The accounts of the atrocities that occurred are profoundly disturbing.

Israel has the right to defend itself, to rescue hostages and to protect its civilians. It is however imperative that international law is observed. We need to ensure humanitarian access to Gaza, and the supply of food, water, electricity and medicines. Labour have urged the British Government to apply pressure to ensure stronger action to ensure this.

As I write this column, heartrending news is breaking of the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians at the Al-Ahli Arabi Anglican hospital in Gaza. Hospitals and civilians simply must be protected.

I am clear that regardless of the complexity of the wider situation, responsibility for this horrific turn of events lies with Hamas. I have visited the Middle East several times over the years, and Hamas must be understood in context of their total opposition to peace with Israel. This is one of the reasons for the estrangement between the two Palestinian territories: Gaza (run by Hamas) and the West Bank (run by Fatah/the Palestinian Authority). The timing of their terror attack is likely an attempt to derail the progress created by the Abraham Accords, which is a peace and normalisation agreement between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain. Until this point it looked likely that a similar agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel was possible.

Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, evacuating settlements in a way I always wanted to see happen to allow a two-state solution to be agreed. Instead of building on this moment, Hamas have put their resources into military rather than civilian infrastructure. Hamas’s actions have made the situation for Palestinians even worse. It is however absolutely imperative that everyone distinguish Hamas terrorists from the Palestinian people.

There must be zero tolerance for any harassment of Jewish or Muslim communities in the UK. I am liaising with local communities and police, and nationally, Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper met with Tell Mama UK and the Community Safety Trust to tackle the unacceptable rise of antisemitic and Islamophobic hate. It is imperative we come together in these dark and anxious times to strengthen our shared humanity and never let terror worsen divisions.