Brown voices Gaza ceasefire hopes

Mr Brown said there was a humanitarian crisis in Gaza

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said the crisis in Gaza is the "darkest moment yet for the Middle East".

But he insisted he was "hopeful" that a basis could be found for an immediate ceasefire and said humanitarian aid must get to Gaza.

A deal would have to resolve issues of weapons smuggled into Gaza by tunnel, and open borders to Palestinian areas, under foreign supervision, he added.

He spoke after Israeli shelling caused scores of casualties at a Gaza school.

UN officials said at least 30 people died and 55 were injured.

Humanitarian crisis

Mr Brown said any sustainable ceasefire would have to ensure security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

"This is a humanitarian crisis. This is the darkest moment yet for the Middle East and it affects the whole of the world," he said.

"It's because of that that we must get humanitarian aid that we are promising in."

He said he had spoken to a number of world leaders and had put forward proposals, which, he believed, could help achieve a ceasefire.

"I am hopeful that the basis on which an immediate ceasefire can take place can be found," he said.

But he said there could be no solution without international engagement.

On the 11th day of the Israeli assault, Palestinian medical sources say up to 600 people have been killed.

Some 70 Palestinians and five Israeli soldiers were killed on Tuesday.

Israel says its offensive is stopping militants firing rockets, but at least five hit southern Israel on Tuesday, with one reaching the town of Gedera, about 40km (25 miles) from Gaza, and injuring a baby.