EU ministers to meet today for ME talks

European Union foreign ministers will meet in Paris today to discuss the Israeli attack on Gaza in a move that reflects growing concern in parts of Europe.

The French Foreign Ministry said in a statement that ministers would try to find ways for the EU to work with the United Nations to resolve the crisis.

A diplomatic source also said French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner was trying to negotiate a humanitarian truce in the Gaza Strip to allow in medical aid.

Israel has killed more than 325 Palestinians in air strikes on Gaza since Saturday, saying it wants to halt rocket attacks against its territory. The UN relief agency UNRWA says at least 57 of the dead are civilians.

After an initially muted response, some European capitals have grown increasingly alarmed by the growing death toll.

"We are appalled by the continuing violence in Gaza and reiterate our call to Israel and Hamas for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of innocent life," said a spokesman for British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

But Germany squarely blamed Hamas for the violence after it ended a six-month truce with Israel on December 19.

"Hamas has unilaterally broken the ceasefire agreement," said German government spokesman Thomas Steg. He said it was Israel's legitimate right to protect its own people.

German, British and French leaders made numerous phone calls during the day with counterparts in the Middle East, all calling for urgent medical aid to be allowed into Gaza.