Katter’s Australian Party members Robbie Katter and Nick Dametto stood at a fence holding up “condemn Hamas” signs at protesters in March, sparking fiery scenes.

Protesters flocked to the fence shouting “shame” at the MPs before one person grabbed the sign from Dametto and scrunched it up.

“We should be allowed to have alternative views on things, but these people are completely intolerant of anyone else having another view from them, and were acting like lunatics out there,” Katter said at the time.

The matter was referred to the ethics committee, which tabled a report to parliament on Friday.

The committee found both MPs in contempt for disorderly conduct on parliamentary grounds.

“Members have a duty to uphold the highest standards of behaviour and to preserve the dignity of the parliament,” the committee found.

“The members in this matter are long-serving members of parliament who ought to know better.”

It recommended both MPs issue an unequivocal apology on the floor of the house.

The pair escaped a recommendation of suspension over the incident. The committee said it would take a “stronger position” if it happened again.

Member for Hinchinbrook Dametto apologised during parliamentary proceedings on Friday, while Traeger MP Katter was absent.

“I take this opportunity to offer my unequivocal apology to the house for any indignity I have caused to the Queensland parliament as a result of my actions,” Dametto said.