FORMER US President Jimmy Carter urged Europe to take a greater role in the search for a solution to the Israeli-Palestine conflict.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner attacked European governments for their inactivity when he spoke at the Hay Festival yesterday.

“In Gaza we have one of the biggest human rights abuses in the world and it is embarrassing for Europe to just stand by and let this happen,” he told a press conference at Gwernyfed High School.

“We need direct talks between Israel and Palestine but the US is blocking any negotiations - this is where we need more countries, like those from Europe, to add their presence and influence.” President Carter defended his decision to speak to Hamas leaders, adding that if Israel wants to find peace then it will have to speak to all of its neighbours - and with respect.

And while criticising Hamas for some of their more radical and militant actions, President Carter said the political party, which is considered a terrorist organisation in the US, was far more understanding and open to compromise than the outside world believed.

President Carter said that his philosophy of talking with all sides in the Middle East was supported by a great number of American Jews, but he said the political climate in his country barred any debate.

This, he believed, could have been one of the reasons why Barack Obama said recently that he would not negotiate with Hamas should he become President.

“You cannot speak out publicly in America,” he added.

“But if the American people knew what you people know now there would be a greater chance for peace.”