Major Western nations urge more pressure for Gaza ceasefire

(PARIS) - The United States and major EU nations called Monday for more pressure to get a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, the French presidency said, as a conflict that has killed more than 1,000 Palestinians rages on.

The leaders of the United States, Germany, France, Britain and Italy "agreed to redouble their efforts to obtain a ceasefire. Pressure must increase to get there," the French presidency said.

It issued its statement after President Barack Obama, Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Francois Hollande, Prime Minister David Cameron and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi held phone calls to establish their joint position.

World powers have for days been ramping up pressure on the warring sides to end the 21-day conflict, with the United States and United Nations calling for an "immediate ceasefire".

But while Israel and Hamas had implemented temporary, hours-long ceasefires, efforts to secure a longer-term mutual truce have proved unsuccessful.

"The deterioration of the situation just plays into the hands of extremists," the presidency said in a statement.