Prime Minister David Cameron told the House of Commons this afternoon that he has grave concerns over the heavy loss of life during the ongoing crisis in Israel and Gaza.

“I spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu again about this crisis last night,” he said. “I repeated our recognition of Israel’s right to take proportionate action to defend itself, and our condemnation of Hamas’ refusal to end their rocket attacks, despite all international efforts to broker a ceasefire.”

He said: “The figures are very disturbing. Over 500 have now reportedly been killed in Gaza, and over 3,000 injured.”

Mr Cameron also said that the new Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond had spoken to President Mahmoud Abbas and told him that he hoped the Palestinian Authority would return to power in Gaza.

“We welcome President Abbas’ support for a ceasefire and underline our wish to see the Palestinian Authority back in Gaza,” he said.

On the ground in Israel and Gaza the conflict continues. Reports from the IDF this morning say that ten terrorists were killed while attempting to enter Israel from a tunnel in Northern Gaza.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon labelled Israel’s actions in the Gaza district of Shejaiya as “atrocious”. More than 70 Palestinians and 13 Israeli soldiers were killed in the heavy fighting which took place in the area.