Tunisia, Norway, and China called for an urgent new meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday regarding the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, despite the United States' reservations about the UN's role in restoring calm to the Middle East. Diplomats told AFP that both Israel and the Palestinians will speak during the new session, which will be public, unlike the previous two closed meetings held on Monday and Wednesday morning.
The United States opposed the Security Council adopting a joint statement calling for an end to the clashes during these meetings, believing it would be "counterproductive" at this stage, according to diplomatic sources. A diplomat, who requested anonymity, stated that the idea of holding a third meeting in less than a week was pushed by the Palestinians.
Another diplomat, also speaking on the condition of anonymity, mentioned that the goal of the new Security Council meeting is not to increase meetings and draft texts but rather to contribute to peace and existence of a security council capable of calling for a ceasefire, and that other initiatives from Arab countries at the UN should not be ruled out.
The United States rejected, on Wednesday morning as it did on Monday, a proposal from Tunisia, Norway, and China to adopt a statement calling for "de-escalation, restraint, a ceasefire, and the resumption of negotiations." Diplomats, who requested anonymity, indicated that Israel rejects Security Council involvement in the conflict, supported by the United States.
A diplomat told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity, that in Washington's view, "the Security Council expresses its concern by holding the meeting and there is no need for more than that." Several sources have mentioned that 14 out of the 15 member countries of the Security Council support adopting the text proposed on Wednesday.
A source familiar with the discussions, who also requested anonymity, said, "The United States is actively working behind the scenes diplomatically with all parties in the region to reduce escalation," adding that "at this time, a council statement would have counterproductive results."
In Washington, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the sending of an envoy to the Middle East to urge Israelis and Palestinians to "de-escalate."
