British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called on Israel to stop settlement construction.

Brown has also offered additional financial support and police training to the Palestinian government.

The British leader said economic prosperity was key to peace, and urged an easing of Israeli travel restrictions in the West Bank that have hindered commerce. He promised British support in developing housing, industrial parks and small businesses.

He spoke at a news conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank town of Bethlehem. He is to meet later in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert