( CNN ) -- British Prime Minister David Cameron called Gaza a `` prison camp '' on Tuesday , a blunt description from a major Western leader about the besieged Palestinian territory . Cameron made the remarks in the Turkish capital of Ankara , which he was visiting to forge a new relationship with Turkey and show 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 can not and must not be allowed to remain a prison camp , '' Cameron said , according to a transcript of the speech provided by his office . Residents of Gaza say they have suffered greatly under an Israeli goods blockade implemented since Hamas took control of the territory after elections in 2006 . But Israel says its tough measures are necessary to stop weapons from reaching Hamas militants intent on destroying Israel . Ron Prosor , Israel 's ambassador to Britain , reacted quickly to the prime minister 's remark , saying that Hamas is responsible for the misery in Gaza . `` The people of Gaza are the prisoners of the terrorist organization Hamas , '' Prosor 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 's comments came in a country that once had close relations with Israel , but ties between the two nations have been strained recently over the Jewish state 's policies toward the Palestinian territory . Turkey was incensed at the May 31 Israeli commando raid against an aid flotilla in the Mediterranean Sea . Violence broke out on one of the ships in the flotilla , the Turkish Mavi Marmara , leaving nine activists -- eight Turks and a Turkish-American dual national -- dead . Cameron -- who touted Turkey 's unique ability to make peace between Israel and the Arab world -- stressed that the Israeli action was `` completely unacceptable . '' He said he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Britain expects Israel 's inquiry into the raid to be `` swift , transparent and rigorous . '' He was also optimistic that the recently frayed alliance can continue to be friendly . `` Just as Turkey is playing a pivotal role in Afghanistan , it can also do so in the Middle East . Turkey 's relationships in the region , both with Israel and the Arab world , are of incalculable value . No other country has the same potential to build understanding between Israel and the Arab world . I know that Gaza has led to real strains in Turkey 's relationship with Israel , but Turkey is a friend of Israel , and I urge Turkey , and Israel , not to give up on that friendship , '' Cameron said . He also believes Turkey can also help bring together Palestinians and Israelis as they work to meet in direct negotations . `` But as , hopefully , we move in the coming weeks to direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians , so it is Turkey that can make the case for peace and Turkey that can help press the parties to come together and point the way to a just and viable solution , '' the prime minister said .
Hamas wants a new partnership with Israel . He says the `` situation in Turkey has to change '' Turkey says residents of Gaza are prisoners of Cameron .