Only a political settlement can bring peace to Israel and the Occupied Territories, Hilary Benn has told MPs.

The international development minister's comments came in the wake of Israeli attempts to assassinate militant Palestinian leaders.

In his first performance in the Commons since being promoted in the wake of Clare Short's resignation, he put in a sure-footed performance - expressing concern at Israeli attempts to build a large security fence between its settlements and Palestinian areas.

The minister said the barrier was "a symptom of the problem".

"It is estimated it will leave 290,000 Palestinians on the wrong side, and will cut communities and people's livelihoods in two," he said.

"And it reinforces...that it is only a political solution that is going to deal with the problems that the Palestinian people are currently experiencing."

The Conservatives urged the minister to continue pushing the roadmap for a two state solution to the Middle East conflict.

"The real progress now being made...has taken Ariel Sharon and Abu Mazen to positions their supporters might never have imagined being achieved," said Caroline Spelman.

"We need to support those who share the common ground of wanting peace against extremes on either side who would like to derail it."

The shadow international development secretary said ministers and British aid should "buttress this delicate process...and strengthen the negotiators' fragile position".

Spelman also reiterated Conservative calls for the international development secretary to be drawn from the ranks of MPs.

Benn said Baroness Amos - who watched the question and answer session from the public gallery - deserved her appointment to the Cabinet.