Will Go To Gaza Even If It Would "Cost My Life", Says Palestine President

Mahmud Abbas was speaking as health ministry officials in the Hamas-run territory said the death count from Israel's assault there had passed 40,000 people.

Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas told a special session of the Turkish parliament on Thursday that he would travel to Gaza.

He was speaking as health ministry officials in the Hamas-run territory said the death count from Israel's assault there had passed 40,000 people.

"I have decided to go to Gaza with other brothers from the Palestinian leadership," Abbas said in an address applauded by Turkish lawmakers.