IT HAS never been more important for the British government to commit to comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on a free Palestine and a two-state solution — a secure Israel alongside a secure and viable state of Palestine.

There can be no military solution to this conflict. That means an end to the illegal blockade, occupation and settlements. This week’s debate provides a vital opportunity for the government unequivocally to condemn Israel’s violations of international law, recognise the state of Palestine and work with the international community towards a future of peace and justice.

A majority, 138 of the 193 United Nations members, have recognised Palestine. It is long overdue that Britain, and every other country, joins the majority of the international community who have recognised the state of Palestine.

The urgency for the international community to finally do so was underlined by a damning recent Amnesty International report which described Israel’s apartheid against Palestinians as “a cruel system of domination and a crime against humanity.” The report sets out how massive seizures of Palestinian land and property, unlawful killings, forcible transfer, drastic movement restrictions, and the denial of nationality and citizenship to Palestinians are all components of a system which amounts to apartheid under international law.