Gaza raids disproportionate says Ed Davey

11.07.00am GMT Mon 29th Dec 2008

Commenting on the continued Israeli air raids in the Gaza Strip, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, Edward Davey said: "David Miliband may not be prepared to say it, but the Israeli reaction is utterly disproportionate."

He went on to comment that, "From the standpoint of ordinary people in Gaza this is a full-scale attack, which is leaving women and children dead and thousands of innocent people suffering.

"The rocket attacks by Hamas are totally unacceptable, but Israel ought to have learnt from its attack on Lebanon which only served to strengthen the cause of extremism.

"If David Miliband does not realise this action is disproportionate then he must be the last person in Britain who thinks so.

"With this massive attack, Israel is in serious danger of squandering the goodwill in the West.

"Diplomatic strategy has been replaced by electorally-based military tactics. The past policy of restraint in the face of rocket attacks has been undermining the extremists of Hamas, but this switch to bombing is likely to plays into the hands of the men of violence.

"Israel's friends must be frank with a Government facing a close election that this is counterproductive. Fighting may win votes, but it may equally lose the peace.

"With the US Presidency in transition, it's vital that the EU gives stronger leadership to back up the United Nations Security Council.

"Britain should today seek an emergency meeting of the EU's foreign ministers, as a clear signal to Israel that this action could prove counterproductive internationally too."