Thread by @JacobMagid

Breaking 🧵: For the third time in a week, the US is blocking a joint statement from the Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, two diplomats involved tell @TimesofIsrael (1/6)

The statement was introduced by Norway, Tunisia and China following today’s emergency session on the escalation in Israel and Gaza and criticized both sides for the ongoing violence.

The US mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter. (2/6)

During open meeting, @USAmbUN said the US is “working tirelessly through diplomatic channels to try and bring an end to this conflict.”

14 of 15 SC members sought to issue a joint statement, which requires unanimous approval, after closed emergency meetings on Mon & Wed (3/6)

The statement would have called for an immediate ceasefire while condemning both sides for the violence.

When council members moved to hold another meeting at the of last week, US mission blocked the effort for the same reason, saying it preferred to wait until Tuesday. (4/6)

After pressure from multiple missions, the US agreed to move up the meeting to Sunday.

Asked after today's meeting if the US planned to back the joint statement being drafted, an official at the US mission told @TimesofIsrael “right now we are focused on the intensive... (5/6)

diplomatic efforts underway, including those Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield discussed at today’s Security meeting.”

Member states still have until tomorrow at noon to mull over the statement so negotiations will continue, diplomats tell @TimesofIsrael. (End)