Keir Starmer cautions Israel but refuses to back calls for ceasefire

Labour leader criticises Israeli bombardment but says ceasefire is not the correct position now'

• Israel and Hamas at war - live updates

Keir Starmer has urged Israel to obey international law but refused to back calls for a ceasefire, as he looks to heal increasingly bitter divisions within his own party over the conflict in Gaza.

The Labour leader spelled out his position on the crisis in detail on Tuesday after days of criticism from many of his own members and MPs that he appeared oblivious to the suffering of Palestinians.