Russia frustrated over UN Security Council's silence on Gaza as attacks escalate

UNITED NATIONS – Russia's U.N. ambassador is frustrated that the Security Council has remained silent about the escalating violence in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

Ambassador Vitaly Churkin says Morocco had circulated a proposed press statement since last Thursday but foot-dragging by one council member means it "is still bogged down."

Churkin says "To me, it looks like a filibuster attempt."

He would not tell reporters outside the Security Council on Monday which nation was blocking the press statement, which must be adopted unanimously.

But he says anyone guessing it was the United States would be "a connoisseur" of Security Council politics.

Churkin says Russia might introduce a resolution calling for a cease-fire and for the Palestinians and Israelis to resume peace talks.