The UN Security Council deplored the resumption of fighting in the Gaza Strip and called on Israel and the Palestinians to resume negotiations. British Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant read a council statement on Wednesday expressing “grave concern at the return to hostilities following the breach of the Egypt-brokered humanitarian ceasefire.” He said the council calls upon the parties “to reach an immediate humanitarian cease-fire” and resume talks in Cairo.
Lyall Grant said Security Council members are discussing a possible resolution that would call for a sustainable ceasefire. Jordan has circulated such a resolution, but Jordanian Ambassador Dina Kawar told reporters that “we’re taking our time to talk to the Americans, to the Europeans” because “the whole idea is to have a Security Council that’s effective.”