The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, has condemned the escalating violence in Israel. Dr Carey, who returned recently from a pastoral visit to the Holy Land, interrupted his summer break to issue a statement urging an end to the killing.

"This continuing violence is a devastating blow to the people of the Holy Land. The deaths of innocent men, women and children in senseless acts of terror achieves nothing in the search for peace. I know I speak for people of faith around the world when I say that the use of religion to justify barbaric acts cannot be allowed to stand unchallenged."

"Violence will not bring a solution to the problems of the Middle East. The work towards a just and peaceful settlement must continue. Those who resort to terror and murder must not be allowed to spread despair."

"I continue to hold in my prayers all who are caught up in this conflict".