Dear Owen
Thank you for writing to me about the horrific situation in Israel and Gaza.
We have all seen footage and heard reports of appalling human suffering in the past week which I will certainly never forget. Innocent men, women, and children dead, injured, tortured and taken hostage. I know that there are families in Cardiff Central who have been directly affected by what is happening and have lost family members. I mourn with them, and I also mourn the loss of every single civilian life.
I absolutely condemn Hamas’s appalling and ongoing attacks on Israel. There can never be a justification for terrorism. Hamas bears responsibility for this crisis. Both Palestinians and Israelis are suffering terribly because of Hamas’s actions which have set back the cause of peace.
I fully support Israel’s right to defend itself, rescue hostages and protect its civilians. Indeed, it has a duty to do so. Hamas must release its hostages immediately.