Blackburn MP Kate Hollern has met with Palestinian Ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot.

The meeting came during a tumultuous week in parliament where the Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, had to apologise for the handling of a vote calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Writing on social media on Thursday, Labour MP Kate Hollern said: “Amidst the chaos of last night (Wednesday), I was honoured to speak with the Palestinian Ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot. 

“I reaffirmed my support for an immediate ceasefire with him and offered my deepest condolences following the tragic loss of his family and friends.

"For the sake of humanity, we must see an end to the devastating crisis.”

So far, Israel and Hamas have failed to reach a deal on a ceasefire with both parties reluctant to give ground to the other in demands.

Kate Hollern said she would have voted for a ceasefire if given the opportunity to do so, and also supported the Labour amendment.

She said: “I continue to receive a significant number of e-mails from constituents regarding an immediate and permanent ceasefire.

"I fully agree that this is the only way we can end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and pave the way for peace.

“I want to make it clear that if given the opportunity I would have voted for an immediate ceasefire – this would have included voting for the SNP motion and also supporting the Labour amendment.

“The extreme levels of destruction, devastating death toll and cataclysmic risk of an impending operation in Rafah, emphasise the urgent need for an immediate and permanent ceasefire by all parties in the conflict.

“This is an issue that goes well beyond party politics – it is a matter of integrity, principle and morality.

“I unequivocally condemn Israel’s actions towards the Palestinian people. We must actively pursue a two-state solution that commits to peace and justice.

“We must take action to end the suffering of the Palestinian people. We must guarantee that Gaza receives.”

Ms Hollern has condemned the actions of Hamas and previously voted in favour of a ceasefire.

Locally, the Labour Party has seen a number of resignations from sitting Labour councillors over their concerns at the lack of condemnation from the leadership over action taken by Israel in Gaza following the the October 7 attack by Hamas terrorists.

On October 7, Hamas killed some 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages. In response, Israel has bombarded and carried out ground operations in Gaza - which it says have been targeted offensives on Hamas strongholds, however a reported 30,000 Palestinians, including many children, have been killed in the conflict.