Sarkozy calls for Gaza ceasefire

Ramallah, West Bank: French President Nicolas Sarkozy, on a peacemaking mission to the Middle East, called on Monday for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip "as soon as possible".

Addressing a news conference in Ramallah with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Sarkozy said the European Union was working to support efforts to end the bloodshed. He said he would tell Israeli leaders that the violence must stop. He also condemned Hamas for its attacks on Israel.

Abbas said Palestinian Authority will not use the Israeli war against Hamas to return to Gaza. He also called for an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire after talks with Sarkozy.