United States blocks UN call for Israel-Palestinian ceasefire for third time

The United States says it wants to see an end to the latest violence between Israel and the Palestinians, despite blocking a United Nations security council resolution calling for an end to the conflict for the third time in a week.

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, says Washington is working behind the scenes to secure a ceasefire and has urged Israel and the Palestinians to protect civilians, especially children.

It comes after more air strikes by Israel on targets in the Gaza strip. Palestinian militants have also launched rocket attacks into Israel as the fighting enters its second week.