MORE than 100 MPs have demanded that the government calls for a ceasefire as the death toll in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza continues to rise under Israel’s merciless aerial bombardment.

An Early Day Motion (EDM) calling for government intervention with Israel was signed by 95 MPs from eight political parties before the deadline for signatures passed; more MPs have spoken out individually in Parliament.

Labour MP Richard Burgon, who proposed the EDM, renewed his appeal today and urged the government to use “every single diplomatic avenue possible” and to “talk to governments of all persuasions to secure a negotiated settlement.”

The call was echoed by London’s Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, adding to pressure on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is still attempting to repair damage caused by his statement that Israel had the right to cut off water and food supplies to Gaza’s 2.3 million people.

Leeds East MP Mr Burgon, secretary of the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs, told the Morning Star: “The public overwhelmingly backs a ceasefire and hundreds of thousands of people across Britain will be protesting for a ceasefire this weekend.

“As more and more horrific reports come in, it’s clear that to help save civilian lives and stop horrific suffering our government must now call for a ceasefire.”

He called for “a settlement that would be binding on all parties” to prevent the loss of more civilian lives,” help secure the release of hostages and give Gaza aid to end its humanitarian crisis.

Mr Khan said a ceasefire “would stop the killing and would allow vital aid supplies to reach those who need it in Gaza.”

“A widespread military escalation will only deepen the humanitarian disaster,” he warned.

“It will increase human suffering on all sides. No nation, including Israel, has the right to break international law.”

Mr Sarwar said: “We are all so desperate for peace and are desperate to see the end of violence, and that is why we need to see the immediate release of hostages and immediate access to humanitarian supplies, food, medicine, electricity and water into Gaza.”

Britain is “reliant on a humanitarian pause” to get support into Gaza, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan reiterated today.