Diplomatic talks aimed at ending the violence in Gaza were getting under way in Jerusalem.<br/> <br />On Monday former British Prime Minister and Middle East Quartet envoy Tony Blair met with Israeli President Shimon Peres at the Presidential Palace.<br/> <br />Blair said he hopes the crisis can soon be resolved.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER AND MIDDLE EAST QUARTET ENVOY TONY BLAIR SAYING:<br/> <br />"I very much hope that over the coming days we can achieve cessation on a basis that is sustainable, on a basis that stops the threat of missiles coming from Gaza targeted Israeli civilians and also then relieves the people of Gaza who also suffered of course."<br/> <br />Peres said Israel's only aim is to stop incoming rocket fire from Gaza.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) ISRAELI PRESIDENT SHIMON PERES SAYING:<br/> <br />"I think this time Israel is clear that we don't have any ambitions to conquer land or to gain any advantages but really to stop the fire."<br/> <br />Over 85 people have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza since last Wednesday, while three Israelis died when a rocket fired from Gaza hit an apartment building in Israel.
