A Northwich MP has quizzed ministers in Parliament over how a 'humanitarian pause' in the Gaza conflict would be implemented.

Mike Amesbury, who represents Weaver Vale for Labour, was speaking during a debate in the Commons over the ongoing situation in the war-torn region.

Israeli forces are continuing to bombard Gaza following attacks and a series of kidnappings by Hamas on October 7. The conflict has led to protests over civilian casualties, with the Labour party itself having seen resignations among councillors and on its own shadow front bench.

Leader Keir Starmer has stopped short of calling for a full ceasefire, but is instead calling for a 'humanitarian pause' to allow for aid to reach civilians.

In a speech to Parliament, foreign office minister Andrew Mitchell told MPs the government and allies was 'exploring measures' to increase the flow of humanitarian support, which he said must include 'effective humanitarian pauses'.

Addressing the Minister, Mr Amesbury said: "On the question of humanitarian pauses, can the Minister tell us his assessment of how long they will last, how people will be protected, and how those pauses will be managed? He referred briefly to those points in his statement."

Responding, Mr Mitchell said: "The aim of humanitarian pauses is not only to get humanitarian relief and supplies into Gaza, but to ensure that there is a safe structure, as I said earlier in my statement, to deliver humanitarian supplies, and one that does not put people in jeopardy.

"Therefore, a humanitarian pause should not be seen as one on its own; we are looking at negotiating a series of humanitarian pauses, so that there can be a proper supply basis for the people we are trying to help."