Sir - It was remarkable to witness the peaceful protest in Worcester against the escalating Israeli attacks on Gaza (Worcester News Wednesday 23 July).

For so many young people, especially so many women from our local ethnic minority communities, to join together in a plea for an end to the violence left no doubt that this is a conflict that strikes at the heart of so many.

I spoke to many of those present and have no doubt as to the strength of feeling they have for the pain and suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.

Since the rally on Friday, hundreds more have lost their lives or been injured and Israeli casualties are mounting as the ground offensive continues. The cycle of death and destruction seems set to continue.

Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas rocket attacks, but, as Ed Miliband has said recently, there is no explanation or justification for an air and ground attack that is leaving hundreds of civilians and children dead and thousands injured.

The international community must spare no effort in securing a ceasefire and getting peace talks underway. Without a peace process, violence will inevitably win over restraint.

There are many stumbling blocks to peace, not least Israel's ongoing blockade of Gaza and Hamas' continuing firing of rockets into Israel.

But in the end it will be politics and negotiation that brings an end to this conflict. There is and can be no military solution.

Joy Squires

Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Worcester