BLACKBURN with Darwen’s Labour Group has issued a statement “unreservedly condemning” Israel for its “brutal and callous killings in Gaza”.

In a statement the group, led by Coun Kate Hollern, said: “These actions are wholly disproportionate and in no sense justified by the casualties it has sustained from the rocket attacks. “All communities in Israel and Palestine have a right to live in peace, and all those with power — Hamas and the Government of Israel — have clear responsibilities to achieve this.

“But the Government of Israel has turned Gaza into a living hell, and on its own figures is exacting 100 Palestinian dead for every death of an Israeli. This is a crime against humanity.

“As with its actions in the Lebanon in 2006 Israel’s response will make it more difficult for the peaceful long term future of Israel and of Palestine, and will encourage extremism there and maybe here in the UK too.

“We acknowledge the work of Gordon Brown and David Milliband in calling for an immediate ceasefire and in taking a stand independent of the United States.”