Middle East needs ‘courageous leadership’ to stop violence, says Labour

Labour Friends of Israel chair Joan Ryan said the “brutal attacks” on Israelis were without justification. Writing to David Cameron, she urged him “to convey to the Israeli government that the British people stand with the people of Israel”.

She expressed concern that “blatantly antisemitic language and imagery” in children’s programmes broadcast on PA state television had influenced young Palestinians involved in the violence.

Middle East Minister Tobias Ellwood condemned the violence in a statement on Tuesday evening and said the government was "extremely concerned".

"We condemn the terrorist attacks in Jerusalem which have resulted in the deaths of a number of Israeli citizens, as well as other attacks which have left multiple innocent civilians wounded," he said.

But he added: "We are also concerned by the use of force by Israeli security personnel in response to protests and security incidents, which has resulted in several deaths and thousands of injuries.

“We urge all parties to refrain from violence, and encourage Israeli and Palestinian leaders to actively de-escalate the situation and avoid measures which could further fuel tensions.”

Multiple attacks on Tuesday left three Israelis dead and dozens injured.

On the same day, the Zionist Federation and Board of Deputies led a protest outside the Palestinian mission in west London which called on the Palestinian Authority to denounce attacks on Israelis.