UN Security Council urges resumption of Gaza talks

The Security Council members are discussing a possible resolution that would call for a sustainable ceasefire

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 yesterday expressing 'grave concern at the return to hostilities following the breach of the Egyptian-brokered humanitarian cease-fire'. 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 cease-fire.

Jordan has circulated such a resolution, but Jordanian Ambassador Dina Kawar told reporters yesterday, "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."