Turkish PM talks to European leaders over Israeli Gaza offensive

Erdogan spoke with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Britain's Gordon Brown and Italy's Silvio Berlusconi on Monday as part of his efforts to bring an end to the Israeli assault on Gaza. Â

 

The leaders discussed the issues of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and the immediate call for a ceasefire in the region.

 

The Turkish prime minister urged the leaders for cooperation and reiterated his country's call on the international community to take urgent action.

 

Erdogan also briefed the European counterparts on his Middle East tour last week. Erdogan had paid official visits to Syria, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia last week to meet Middle Eastern leaders in a bid to end the violence in Gaza.

 

Israel unleashed a massive bombing campaign on Hamas targets in Gaza on Dec. 27 in response to constant rocket fire from the territory and poured in ground troops to back up the bombardments a week later.

 

The latest total death count in Gaza stands at 531 people killed across 10 days, with more than 80 deaths since the ground offensive began.

 

Erdogan has slammed Israel's Gaza operation, saying the disproportional use of force causes a "humanitarian tragedy".Â

 

PARLIAMENT TO DISCUSS GAZA 

The Turkish parliament will meet to discuss the Gaza issue on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek told reporters following a cabinet meeting.

 

Cicek said Turkey would be prepared to send troops to Gaza if this move contributes to peace efforts, when asked about his country considered sending forces into the territory.

 

"Turkey sent soldiers to many countries in the world in order to contribute to peace. Turkey has proved its sincerity in terms of peace. Turkey do not say "no" to this," he said.