A Labour politician visiting the Gaza Strip has called the blockade of the Hamas-ruled territory by Israel and Egypt "evil".

Sir Gerald Kaufman also spoke in support of attempts by pro-Palestinian groups in Britain to have arrest warrants issued against Israeli politicians involved in Israel's war on Gaza last winter.

Human rights groups have alleged that Israel, along with Hamas, committed war crimes, citing among other things the use of white phosphorous flares in densely populated areas.

Mr Kaufman, who is MP for Manchester Gorton, said "anybody who uses white phosphorous should be arrested and should be tried for war crimes".

The politician led a group of 60 parliamentarians from 13 European countries who arrived in Gaza.

PA