LONDON (EJP)---British Prime Minister David Cameron called Gaza a "prison camp" on Tuesday, a comment described as "a blunt description from a major Western leader" by the British press.

Cameron made the remark during a visit to Turkey aimed at forging  a new relationship with Ankara and at showing his support for Turkish membership in the European Union.

"Let me also be clear that the situation in Gaza has to change. Humanitarian goods and people must flow in both directions. Gaza cannot and must not be allowed to remain a prison camp," Cameron said, according to his office.

Cameron also said the recent Israeli attack on an flotilla bound for Gaza "was totally unacceptable", but should not be allowed to damage the relationship between Turkey and Israel.

Israel’s ambassador in London, Ron Prosor, reacted to Cameron's remarks by saying that Hamas is responsible for the misery in Gaza.

"The people of Gaza are the prisoners of the terrorist organization Hamas," he said in a statement. "The situation in Gaza is the direct result of Hamas' rule and priorities."

The ambassador also raised the issue of Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier taken hostage four years ago who is being held in Gaza.

"We know that the Prime Minister would also share our grave concerns about our own prisoner in the Gaza Strip, Gilad Shalit, who has been held hostage there for over four years, without receiving a single Red Cross visit," Prosor said.

Cameron visit in Turkey comes at a time when this country's relations with Israel are at a low level since the Israeli raid against a Turkish ship of the Gaza-bound flotilla on May 31.

In Ankara, the British Prime Minister promised to "fight" for Turkey's membership of the European Union, saying he is "angry" at the slow pace of negotiations.

On his first visit as Prime Minister, he said the country could become a "great European power", helping build links with the Middle East.