Joey Barton and Yossi Benayoun were involved in a Twitter spat today over the divisive conflict between Gaza and Israel.

Barton, well known for making social comment and quoting The Smiths and Nietzsche on Twitter, spoke out about the 18-day-old conflict which has left over 800 dead - the vast majority of which have been Palestinian.

"The attack on the school in Beit Hanoun is deplorable. #StopKillingChildrenInGaza," wrote Barton this morning.

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He continued: "If this was anybody else but Israel the West would intervene. It cannot continue. Innocent children being slaughtered. This must stop.

"How can a God stand by and watch this? Or even condone this? Is this all part of his master plan?

"The UN attempting to evacuate the school when the bombing took place? Asked IDF for window to evacuate. Not given. Children die as a result."

Barton, who used to play for Manchester City and Newcastle also tweeted a picture.

Video: Gaza conflict continues

The comments from Barton appeared to rile former Liverpool player Benayoun, who has 96 appearances for Israel. Benayoun now plays for Maccabi Haifa, whose pre-season friendly against French side Lille earlier this week had to be abandoned after pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the pitch and fought with players. Benayoun was among those targeted.

Rather predictably, Barton was quick to hit back at the 34-year-old, whom he played alongside at QPR for a short period of time.

Barton, who recently appeared on BBC Question Time appeared keen to end the conversation on good terms.

But he quickly got back to expressing his views on the conflict.

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