Israel pans the statement -- the first that the council managed to agree on since the conflict broke out -- for lack of mention of Hamas or its rocket attacks on Israeli civilians

White House says US president and his aides had over 80 conversations by phone or in person as part of efforts to end the fighting between Israel and Hamas

Nides, a former State Dept. official with ties to Blinken and Obama, had been seen as early favorite, but former congressman got jolt of support from Jewish groups and lawmakers

US president says he is 'praying' ceasefire will hold, adds that until region unequivocally acknowledges Israel's right to exist, 'there will be no peace'

Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy pushes back at notion that his party has shifted position on Israel: 'Democrats believe in a two-state future; Israel's politics have moved, not ours'

Ismail Haniyeh says terror group will continue to battle Jewish state 'until Al-Aqsa Mosque is liberated,' amid fresh clashes at Jerusalem holy site

White House was accused by Dem. progressives, allies abroad of lacking urgency and coddling Israel, but latest escalation was brought to a close after a relatively short 11 days

Source says the latest flare-up in violence led to growing understanding in the Biden administration of the need for more senior diplomats on the ground

EU vows to increase efforts for political solution; Germany says work must be done on causes of conflict; France hails 'fundamental role' played by Egypt as a mediator

US secretary of state to hold talks on 'working together to build better futures for Israelis and Palestinians,' spokesman says