A WORCESTERSHIRE MP has spoken of his "eye opening" visit near the Gaza strip - praising its people for their "incredible" attitude to life.

Nigel Huddleston is spending four days on a tour of Palestine and Israel speaking to people caught up in years of conflict.

The MP, who represents Mid-Worcestershire, told the Worcester News of his experience learning about the current situation and seeing sites like Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Palestinian city of Rawabi and the border close to the Gaza strip.

"Everybody is keen to talk and give you their opinion, I've arrived with a lot of questions and I will go back with even more," he said.

"I came with an open mind because the situation is very complex, and I've got a deeper understanding of both sides.

"We've talked to a lot of Palestinians and the state of what's going on is Gaza is still troublesome, there's 60 per cent youth unemployment and 40 per cent unemployment.

"But people are still positive, they've said 'we have a future and our children still have a future here, we've just got to sort out the political leadership' and I can understand that.

"I've spoken to people who have come under fire from rockets who don't want to leave, people in bad circumstances who are getting on with life in incredible fashion.

"It's been an eye-opener."

During their visit the delegation have been to see high-tech companies which are flourishing, and sites like a hospital which helps children with heart problems.

They have also been near the Gaza strip and spoken to people crossing it, such as businessmen, to get their views.

"All you often hear is the negative, bad stuff but the economy in Israel is actually doing quite well and in areas like technology there's some companies doing great things," he said.

"I've seen some people and said 'why do you want to stay' and they say it's a beautiful, historic country, it's their home and the community spirit outweighs the challenges they've faced every day, like rockets," he said.

"The people are remarkable."

The trip is being paid for by the 'Conservative Friends of Israel' group, with six other MPs joining Mr Huddleston including former Culture Secretary John Whittingdale.

They will fly back to the UK tomorrow after spending four days on the tour.