The focus must be on breaking the cycle of violence | David Lammy and Stéphane Séjourné

A ceasefire could enable progress towards a two-state solution - the only long-term route to safety and security

This is a perilous moment in the Middle East. Israel's actions in Gaza continue to lead to intolerable loss of civilian life. Hostages taken by Hamas terrorists remain in chains, 316 days since the 7 October attack. There are French and British citizens among them.

Fighting between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah has intensified. Iranian threats of further escalation mean the risks of a full-scale regional war are rising.