The Council has to bring to an end the violations by the occupying power

Nasser al-Kidwa, Palestinian representative

At times, the Palestinian UN representative, Nasser al-Kidwa, appeared to be on the verge of tears as he described the killing of Palestinian children to the Security Council.

Speaking through an interpreter, Mr al-Kidwa accused Israeli soldiers of committing war crimes and called on the international community to intervene.

He said the Security Council had specific responsibilities, and called upon it to put an immediate end to Israel's "brutal campaign".

Recriminations

"The Council has to bring to an end the violations by the occupying power under the fourth Geneva convention," he added.

The Palestinians have once again decided to resort to violence for political gain

Yehuda Lancry, Israeli ambassador

But Israel's UN ambassador, Yehuda Lancry, insisted that his country's forces were exercising all possible restraint.

Ambassador Lancry accused the Palestinian authority of indulging in inflammatory rhetoric and inciting violence.

"It is regrettable that at such a sensitive time in the Middle East peace process, the Palestinians have once again decided to resort to violence for political gain," he said.

"The Palestinian authorities' willingness to incite popular violence as a means to elicit concessions in the negotiations, serves only to hinder our ability to arrive at a permanent settlement," he added.

Opposing views

After both sides had exchanged their opposing views, the members of the UN Security Council set out their positions.

Violence has raged for several days

The United States argued that now was not the time to apportion blame, but instead to concentrate on ensuring the success of the forthcoming meeting between the Israeli and Palestinian leaders, which is hoped will defuse the crisis.

Most other countries agreed that the talks should be given every chance of succeeding, but a clear majority strongly criticised what they described as Israel's excessive use of force.

Some also questioned the visit to Muslim holy places in Jerusalem by the Israeli opposition leader, Ariel Sharon, which many believe provoked the latest violence.