Jack Straw has joined the international chorus of condemnation against Israel's occupation of Beit Jala.

Describing the occupation as "excessive and disproportionate" he condemned the incursion as likely "to stoke the cycle of violence". Using unusually uncompromising and strong language he described attacks on Palestinian Authority buildings as "assassinations".

"The use of fighter aircraft in residential areas, the destruction of Palestinian Authority security buildings by missiles, and assassinations of Palestinians can form no part of a meaningful strategy aimed at achieving peace," he said.