ISRAEL’S invasion of Gaza will “fail to act as a deterrent and simply risks recruiting more people to the cause of Hamas,” Ed Miliband warned yesterday.

The Labour leader, who has described himself as a “friend of Israel,” said he deplored the “cycle of violence” that had spiralled out of control.

“The international community must be allowed immediate access to provide medical assistance to the wounded,” he said.

“And in the longer term we need reconstruction of destroyed homes, hospitals, schools and infrastructure.”

Mr Miliband told an audience of activists and the press: “Above all, both sides must realise that there can be no military solution to this conflict.”