UN leader calls for investigation into deadly Gaza clashes

By: The Associated Press

Saturday, March 31, 2018 12:05 AM

UNITED NATIONS (AP) U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is calling for "an independent and transparent investigation" into deadly clashes in Gaza between Palestinians and Israeli troops as Security Council members urge restraint and a lowering of tensions on both sides.

The council didn't decide on any action after an emergency meeting Friday.

Fifteen people were killed by Israeli fire as thousands of Palestinian protesters marched to Gaza's border. Israel's military accused militants of trying to conduct attacks under the cover of protests and said thousands of Palestinians threw stones and rolled burning tires toward troops.

Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour says he is disappointed the council didn't condemn what he called a "heinous massacre."

Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon says the international community shouldn't be taken in by what he called "a well-organized and violent terror-gathering."

UN leader calls for investigation into deadly Gaza clashes

The United Nations Security Council meets on the situation in Gaza, Friday, March 30, 2018, at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

The Associated Press

Riyad Mansour, Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations, speaks to an aide during an emergency Security Council meeting on the situation in Gaza, Friday, March 30, 2018, at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

The Associated Press

Riyad Mansour, Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations, left, joins Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi, Kuwaiti Ambassador to the United Nations, as he speaks to reporters after an emergency Security Council meeting on the situation in Gaza, Friday, March 30, 2018, at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

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Swedish Ambassador Carl Skau speaks to reporters before emergency Security Council consultations on the situation in Gaza, Friday, March 30, 2018 at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

The Associated Press

Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations Riyad Mansour, left, speaks to Kuwaiti Ambassador to the United Nations Mansour Al-Otaibi, right, before emergency Security Council consultations on the situation in Gaza, Friday, March 30, 2018 at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

The Associated Press

Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations Riyad Mansour, right, speaks to another diplomat before emergency Security Council consultations on the situation in Gaza, Friday, March 30, 2018 at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

The Associated Press