Liberal Democrat Layla Moran has called on the Government to recognise the state of Palestine “immediately” in order to send a “powerful message” to the Israeli government.

Speaking in parliament on Thursday, the MP for Oxford West and Abingdon said her professional and personal life “collided” when Hamas launched its attack in Gaza in October last year.

She has previously told the Commons that a family member of hers has died during the Israel-Gaza war.

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The MP said in November that a family member had died because they were unable to access medical care.

At the time, she called for an immediate ceasefire, which she reiterated this week.

Ms Moran told the Commons: “We need that immediate ceasefire, and we needed it six months ago.”

Her comments come as the Government said it will apply international humanitarian law “without fear or favour” in reference to the conflict in Gaza.

Intervening in a speech by John Healey, former Labour leader and now independent MP for Islington North Jeremy Corbyn said in the House of Commons: “The question of the conflict going on and the bombing in Gaza has resulted in 40,000 deaths already.

"Is the Government serious in pushing Israel to take part in an immediate ceasefire?

“Is it also prepared to suspend or stop all arms sales to Israel in order to save further life?

"But also, he made a point in his speech about the need to adhere to international law – there are international court judgments at the ICJ (International Court of Justice) and the ICC (International Criminal Court).

"Is the Government going to support those judgments and ensure that they are carried out whatever the political consequences because they do require action taken internationally to bring a halt to this appalling conflict?”

Mr Healey replied: “Yes, this Government is serious about pursuing an immediate ceasefire. It’s why the Foreign Secretary (David Lammy) has already been out to Israel to press that case.

“And on the question of arms sales to Israel – on the first day in post, the Foreign Secretary commissioned the most up-to-date assessment of the British Government through the established system that we work on the degree to which any of our UK arms export licences may be facilitating a serious risk of a breach of international law.

"He has said clearly he wants this to be a process that is as swift and as transparent as possible and he is looking hard at exactly that.”

The Defence Secretary added: “Yes, this Government is serious about the application without fear or favour of international humanitarian law.”