LONDON — Britain is prepared to deploy naval resources and provide security at the Gaza Strip’s border-crossing points as part of an effort to secure the cease-fire declared by Israel in the tiny coastal territory, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Saturday.
Brown, along with the leaders of France, Germany and Italy, said he was offering military and humanitarian help to implement a cease-fire and ease the suffering in Gaza, where hundreds have died since Israel began its offensive in late December.
“The Israelis, Egyptians and Palestinian Authority know this offer is available,” Brown said. “I think this may make it easier for people to come to a cease-fire.”
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband called on Hamas to end its rocket attacks and on Israeli authorities to allow aid agencies immediate access to Gaza and a guarantee of their safety.
“Too many lives have already been lost,” Miliband said.
Earlier, Brown had suggested that Britain could help move injured children out of Gaza so they could receive medical care elsewhere. The prime minister said Britain also could help remove unexploded bombs in the Gaza area. The Associated Press
