(Refiles to correct typographical error in headline)

RAMALLAH, West Bank, March 1 (Reuters) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on Saturday for the United Nations Security Council to hold urgent discussions on the latest round of fighting in the Gaza Strip.

"The president has asked for an urgent session of the Security Council," Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rdainah said in a statement, adding that Abbas had already contacted Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on this issue.

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