16 Palestinians protesters killed in clash at Gaza-Israel border

The UN Security Council heard fears of a further escalation in Israeli-Palestinian violence in the Gaza Strip during emergency talks today despite a failure to agree a joint statement on deadly clashes. A spokesperson said, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called for an "independent and transparent investigation" and reaffirmed "the readiness" of the world body to revitalise peace efforts.

Kuwait requested



the meeting to discuss the unraveling situation in Gaza. Britain and the United States expressed regret that the timing of the meeting -- the first night of Passover -- meant Israeli officials could not attend. Leading ambassadors sent deputies in their place.

In a written statement before the meeting, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, blamed Hamas for the violence.