A Cornish MP, who was detained and “confronted by guns” at the Israeli border on a fact-finding human rights mission to the West Bank, has demanded in Parliament that the UK Government does more to stop the “slaughter and starvation” in Gaza.

West Cornwall’s Liberal Democrat MP Andrew George said: “The Government must act. We can do more to avert a continuation of the shocking genocide in Gaza.

“Politicians often become distracted by semantics. Concentrating more on disagreeing whether, for example, we should describe the state of Israel as ‘apartheid’. I witnessed the extreme discrimination and segregation on my recent visit there, so I’m not sure whether there is a better term to describe it.”

In April, Mr George was detained before being permitted entry to Israel and was confronted with guns as he attempted to monitor the daily reality of life for Palestinians living in the West Bank.

During a discussion in Parliament on Wednesday, May 14 about the situation in Gaza, the St Ives MP addressed the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Hamish Falconer.

He said: “I have recently returned from a visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territories with the honourable member for Leicester South (Shockat Adam). We were expecting an appalling situation, but it was far, far, far worse.

“Israeli ministers are gleefully calling for the bombing of food warehouses because they believe it will help bring victory – in their eyes. It is clear that Israeli hostages are being used as a pretext to continue the slaughter and starvation in Gaza.

“Although I recognise the minister’s sincere compassion in the way he has expressed himself on this issue, it is clear that he comes to this Chamber with a straitjacket around him.

“What we need here is the Prime Minister, who can make the decisions; otherwise, we are not going to see any action on arms supplies, on trade or in any other area, including recognition of the state of Palestine. If the minister cannot do those things, can he at least recognise the right of Palestinians to statehood?”

Not addressing Mr George’s points, Mr Falconer responded: “I’m glad that the honourable gentleman was able to travel. I recognise as I’ve said before the importance of members from across the House seeing these situations up close and being able to form their own judgements. I am the relevant Minister and I speak with the authority of the Government.”

Following the debate, Mr George said: “Today, some questioned whether the slaughter and starvation of women and children in Gaza should be described as ‘genocide’. Frankly, we should stop arguing about semantics and instead concentrate on doing something to stop it; irrespective of the term we use to describe it.

“This is what I said to the minister today during yet another long session, where the government minister was again sent into the Commons Chamber by the PM with his hands tied and his options limited.”

Last month Mr George visited the region with Mr Adam, hosted by an NGO promoting peace in the Middle East. Although he was sent back at Tel Aviv Border Control and detained, after contacting the Consulate, he was eventually allowed in after a short wait.

He said: “What I witnessed was sobering. The International Court of Justice has deemed Israel an apartheid state. I don’t feel qualified to make such judgement, but I can confirm I witnessed extreme segregation and discrimination.

“There are broadly two communities of people, living unequal lives – one with rights, freedoms and access to services, the other with restrictions, no right to vote for the government controlling their lives and daily hardship.

“Seeking peace after decades of conflict can only work if it benefits both Israelis and Palestinians. Achieving this will require political change and herculean diplomatic effort. Peace can’t come until this inequality ends.”

Mr George is urging the UK Government to: