I learned with shock and horror of the killing yesterday in Jerusalem of nine Israelis, including two babies and a 10-year old boy, caught in the tragic cycle of violence that is worsening in the region. Acts of suicide bombing in Israel harm the interests and aspirations of the Palestinian people because they undermine support for the cause of self-determination and the fight against occupation.

The right to life and security of the person allows for no derogation, and must be applied with no exception in all circumstances. Israeli and Palestinian civilians are not presently enjoying this right and I call with great urgency on the leaders of the region to show the necessary political will and courage to bring the violence to an end.

I note this morning there was further killing of Israeli soldiers and a Palestinian. It is imperative to get a political framework that gives some hope in order to break this terrible cycle of violence. I cannot state strongly enough how much it is both an international responsibility and for the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority to provide that political way forward.

My thoughts today are with the families of the victims of these recent depressing events, and, more than ever, on the urgent imperative of resolving the protracted conflict between two neighbouring peoples.