UNITED NATIONS (AP):

The Palestinians are urging the United Nations Security Council to quickly adopt a resolution calling for an immediate end to Israeli attacks in Gaza and a permanent ceasefire, including international border monitors and an international force to protect civilians.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was scheduled to arrive in New York this morning and hopes the council would adopt a revamped Arab-backed resolution in the afternoon, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki told reporters.

Israel, Hamas conflict

He said between seven and nine Arab foreign ministers are also flying to New York, along with Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa, to show Arab unity backing a quick end and permanent solution to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.

Late Saturday, the United States blocked approval of a Security Council statement calling for an immediate ceasefire and expressing serious concern at the escalation of violence after Israeli tanks and artillery began a ground assault on Gaza, council diplomats said.

United States Deputy Ambassador Alejandro Wolff said the US saw no need for a new statement because it saw no prospect of Hamas abiding by the council's earlier call for an immediate end to rocket and mortar attacks that have traumatised southern Israel.