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Lib Dems criticised over 'disputatious Jews' tweets

Just a day after a Liberal Democrat MP was accused of inciting violence after appearing to back Hamas rocket attacks in a tweet, a former MEP has hit out at a Jewish community group, calling them "disputatious Jews".

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David Ward MP apologises for Twitter comments

Bradford MP David Ward has apologised for comments he made on Twitter about Israel and Gaza.

The Liberal Democrat said in a statement through the party:

I utterly condemn the violence on both sides in Israel and Gaza.

I condemn the actions of Hamas, and my comments were not in support of firing rockets into Israel. If they gave the opposite impression, I apologise.

However, while I defend the right of Israel to exist and defend itself, I will continue to speak out for the rights of the Palestinian people who are facing untold suffering. More must be done by the world community to end this humanitarian crisis and protect the families living in Gaza. I can understand their plight and desperation.

A cease fire in this conflict is essential. If we are to end the suffering, and establish a safer society for people in Gaza, the first step must be an end to violence on both sides.

– David Ward MP

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Lib Dems condemn ex-MEP 'disputatious Jews' tweet

The Liberal Democrats have distanced themselves from the comments made by former MEP, Ed McMillan-Scott, who labelled a Jewish community group "disputatious Jews".

Read: Ex-MEP apology after 'disputatious Jews' slur

In a statement to ITV News, a party spokesperson said:

The Liberal Democrats have the utmost respect for the Board of Deputies and the Jewish Chronicle, and do not endorse these comments in anyway. Edward has since removed the tweet and has rightly apologised for his comments.

– Liberal Democrats spokesman

David Ward 'not condoning firing rockets at Israel'

Liberal Democrat MP David Ward has defended his comments on Twitter yesterday, when he said he would "probably" fire at rocket at Israel if he lived in Gaza, saying he is not condoning violence, ITV Political Correspondent Paul Brand reports.

Read: Lib Dem MP: If I lived in Gaza would I fire a rocket?

Ex-Lib Dem MEP apology after 'disputatious Jews' slur

A former Lib Dem MEP, Ed McMillan-Scott, has criticised a Jewish Community group and the editor of the Jewish Chronicle newspaper in tweet.

The tweet was deleted shortly after being posted, and an apology was issued this morning.

ITV News are awaiting a response from the Liberal Democrats.

The comments were in response to comments posted on Twitter yesterday from Liberal Democrat MP David Ward, who said he would "probably" fire a rocket at Israel if he lived in Gaza.

Read: Lib Dem MP: If I lived in Gaza would I fire a rocket?

'Rocket' tweet by Lib Dem MP 'vile and desperate'

Labour has called remarks made by Liberal Democrat MP David Ward over the Israel-Gaza conflict "vile and desperate", urging Nick Clegg to disassociate from the comment:

At a time when all sides should be working for a ceasefire and a peaceful settlement, it defies belief that a Liberal Democrat MP should tweet something so vile and irresponsible.

Nick Clegg must act immediately to disassociate his party from this comment.

– Labour spokesman

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Tory chairman condemns 'appalling rocket tweet'

Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps Credit: PA

Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps has called on Liberal Democrat MP David Ward to withdraw remarks made over the Israel-Gaza conflict, which Labour said was a "vile" comment by a "desperate" MP.

"Appalling: No MP should Tweet what's essentially incitement to violence," Mr Shapps said. "Mr Ward must withdraw now. Completely irresponsible."

Read: Lib Dem MP: If I lived in Gaza would I fire a rocket? Probably.

Lib Dem MP faces disciplinary action over 'rocket' tweet

The Liberal Democrats has said it "utterly condemned" remarks made by MP David Ward, who had posted a tweet saying if he lived in Gaza, he would "probably" fire a rocket.

The party said the comments were "not representative of the Liberal Democrats". In a statement, a spokesman said:

Nick Clegg has been at the forefront of calling for peace in Israel and Gaza. The party takes this matter very seriously and will treat it as a disciplinary issue.

– Liberal Democrats spokesman

Read: Lib Dem MP: If I lived in Gaza would I fire a rocket?

Lib Dem MP: If I lived in Gaza would I fire a rocket?

A Liberal Democrat MP was accused of inciting violence and faces a fresh disciplinary investigation after backing Hamas rocket attacks on Israel.

David Ward was suspended by the party for several weeks last year after making a string of controversial comments about Israel and Jews. His future is once again is in doubt after he used social media to give his verdict on the current Israel-Gaza conflict.

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