Over the last week I have followed events in the Middle East closely. I have met with representatives of the local Jewish community in Sheffield to offer my condolences, understand their perspectives and hear concerns about the appalling spike of anti-Semitism that has followed. I have also met with NGOs who deliver lifesaving medical aid within Gaza to listen to their concerns about the developing humanitarian crisis affecting many civilians there. I have maintained close contact with my colleagues on the Opposition frontbench to both learn more and communicate the views of myself and my constituents.

I wish to underline how important it is for members of all communities in Sheffield to stay safe and secure. There have been appalling and unacceptable outbreaks of anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents in the UK since last Saturday which must be condemned in the strongest terms. No matter what people’s views are on these sensitive issue, we must not let hate divide us in our City of Sanctuary. I would encourage people to share the details of the Community Security Trust and Tell Mama as widely as possible to allow incidents to be recorded and acted on by police.

I am horrified by the unfolding events and my thoughts are with all those who have lost friends, relatives and loved ones.

Last Saturday’s terrorist attack by Hamas was abhorrent. There cannot be any justification for the murder of civilians or for hostage taking. I unequivocally condemn Hamas’ actions, which have led to such a brutal loss of life, and I call for all hostages to be released immediately. I am deeply saddened by the news that 17 British citizens are amongst the dead and missing.

The situation for Palestinian civilians in Gaza is heart-breaking and I am deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives. There must be a clear distinction between Hamas terrorists and the Palestinian people. It is vital that there is continued humanitarian access to Gaza to provide supplies of food, water, electricity and medicine. As Labour have said from the beginning, all leaders must act in line with international law, and civilians, including aid workers, must be protected.

I am in touch with Labour frontbench colleagues and I am passing on the views of my constituents. The Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP and Shadow Cabinet Minister for International Development Lisa Nandy MP are in touch with the UK government, the UN and NGOs to discuss the best way to protect civilians, including humanitarian corridors within Gaza. None of us want civilians to suffer and international law must be followed.

We must not allow these tragic events to divide our communities. The Community Safety Trust and the Metropolitan Police have reported a steep increase in antisemitic incidents in recent days, including abuse and assaults. Tell Mama has reported a tripling of cases to their services within the last six days, including reports of Islamophobic threats, abuse and assaults.

I denounce hate crime in the strongest terms. Labour are in touch with the police, the CST and Tell Mama, who are coordinating the response to such threats. We expect to see a robust response to all incidents of hate associated with the conflict, and call on government to support these groups and to play their part in preventing an escalation of tensions.

I will continue to offer my support to our communities and to communicate with my frontbench colleagues over the coming weeks and days.