British Prime Minster Gordon Brown on Thursday urged the international community to support the reconstruction of Gaza.

Speaking at a joint press conference with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas after talks in Downing Street, Brown said: "More than a thousand innocent civilians -- including over 300 children -- lost their lives as a result of the conflict in Gaza. Thousands more have been displaced and injured, many more remain in dire need of food and medical attention."

"We must do everything we can to help rebuild Gaza and to provide humanitarian relief to families whose lives have been shattered." said Brown.

"Britain will play its part. We have trebled our relief effort," said Brown.

"In addition to the already significant support of the UN agencies responding to the challenge, I have written to (Israeli) Prime Minister Olmert this week to urge him to allow full humanitarian access to those seeking to get food and medicines to those who need it." he said, adding it was in Israel's interests as well as those of the international community.

Brown said the international community should "do everything to ensure that the ceasefire can remain in place."

"The countries of the region must show they will not tolerate an armed Hamas and do more to stop arms smuggling into Gaza. We should encourage dialogue and reconciliation between Palestinian leaders, and we must help rebuild Gaza's economy to give hope that there can be a true peace dividend," said Brown.

At the press conference, Abbas also urged the international community to continue sending aid for Palestinians.

"As far as reconstruction is concerned now, all the humanitarian help is coming into Gaza, although there are many saying that this aid is being stolen," Abbas said. "In spite of that, what we are saying is that the world must -- must -- keep sending humanitarian aid."

"Now as far as the concession is concerned, the concession has to start today -- yes, today -- through the international organizations and agencies." he noted.

"The international organizations can supervise the question of reconstruction, but there is only one legitimate government and this must be the only conduit through which aid comes under the supervision of the organization," he said.

"So the side which is causing problems is not the Palestinian Authority, we want to see the reconstruction process as soon as possible because it is impossible for 100,000 people to wait even further," he added.