The United Nations Security Council called an emergency debate on the fighting. The Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon had already expressed his deep concern, while the Palestinian observer Riyad Mansour, speaking outside, said the violence would destabilise the Middle East.

Libya, the only Arab member of the Security Council, urged the UN to demand a ceasefire, but was thwarted by the United States, which traditionally vetoes resolutions critical of Israel. The General Assembly President was outraged: “I think it is a monstrosity, there is no other way to name it,” said Miguel d’Escoto. “And what is worse is that once again the world is watching in dismay the disfunctionality of the (UN) Security Council.”

Copyright © 2012 euronews