A PETITION calling for Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon to be indicted for war crimes is to be presented to Parliament by York MP Hugh Bayley.

Mr Bayley will present the petition shortly after he visits the occupied Palestinian territories of West Bank and Gaza with the international development select committee.

Almost 600 people signed the petition, organised by the York Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (PSC)

Mr Bayley said he supported the principle of an independent Palestinian state - but was keen to distance himself from the indictment call.

He said: "I often present petitions to Parliament. I do not necessarily agree with every word they say, but it is my job.

"Killing of innocent civilians has been carried out by both Israelis and Palestinians, but I do not believe legal action against leaders on either side will bring peace."

The petition also calls for the British Government to end its arms trade with Israel and impose trade sanctions until Israel ends the occupations and "abides by international law and resolutions".

Mr Bayley said both the occupations and Palestinian terrorist attacks were in violation of international law and called for both to end immediately.

"There cannot be peace in the Middle East until both sides abandon violence," he said.

York PSC spokesman Mohamed El Gomati said the group was pleased Mr Bayley had agreed to deliver the petition.

He said the MP's rejection of the indictment call was "part of the civilised debate".

Mr El Gomati, of Hull Road, said: "Mr Bayley has listened to us and we have listened to him."

Asked why Israeli military action could not be justified as defence against Palestinian terror attacks, Mr El Gomati said: "People are suffering on both sides. Many Jews are saying they are proud of Judaism and proud to be Jews, but also say what Mr Sharon is doing is not in their name."

York PSC will hold a public meeting at Priory Street Centre, York, on Thursday, at 7.30pm.

Updated: 12:10 Saturday, October 18, 2003