UPDATING LIVE: Security Council passes resolution calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in Gaza

A draft resolution from the United States was vetoed by the UN Security Council on Friday by Russia and China. The draft stated the "imperative" for “an immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides”, facilitating “essential” aid delivery and supporting ongoing talks between Israel and Hamas militants to create a sustainable end to the hostilities, tied to the release of all hostages. Follow the full story here live.

After intense negotiations all week behind closed doors at the 15-member Security Council, ambassadors are still negotiating over a draft resolution penned by the United Arab Emirates which calls for an “urgent suspension” of the conflict to allow safe and unhindered delivery of aid to stricken civilians in the Gaza Strip. The Council is expected to meet on the crisis later on Thursday and we'll bring you live coverage here...

Security Council members are meeting in emergency session on Tuesday morning in New York with the Middle East on the brink of all-out war. App users can follow our live coverage here.