New York  - A difference has emerged in diplomatic talks in New York to end the fighting in the Gaza Strip, with Western powers calling on the UN Security Council to issue a statement while Arab governments want a formal resolution.

The 15-nation council has not yet decided on whether to go for the statement or the resolution. The United States in particular has rejected the Arab draft resolution, which singles out and condemns only Israel in the conflict.

The United States, Britain and France - three of the five UN Security Council permanent members with veto power - want a statement that emphasizes a "durable ceasefire that will require arrangements and guarantees, including preventing illegal trade and reopening of crossing points."

"In this regard, the Security Council welcomes the Egyptian initiative and French mediation, and encourages all actors to support these efforts," the draft statement says.

It calls for immediate and full humanitarian access by the Palestinians to food, fuel and medical treatment.

The draft statement reiterates that there is "no military solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict" and supports a two-state solution. The draft does not mention Hamas.

It calls for "tangible progress" toward an intra-Palestinian reconciliation, including mediation efforts by Egypt and the Arab League.

The competing draft resolution submitted by the Arab League seeks an "immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza Strip with a cessation of all military and violence, including Israeli military operations and the firing of rockets, and the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces to positions held prior to December 27 and demands full respect of the ceasefire by both parties."

It calls on Israel to lift the blockade of Gaza and calls for the sustained opening of crossings, including the Rafah crossing to allow for "free movement of the Palestinian civilian population as well as for the import and export of goods into and out of the Gaza Strip to address both the humanitarian and economic needs of the civilian population."

Egypt has so far refused to open the Rafah crossing. Western powers want the crossing and tunnels across the border monitored to prevent the smuggling of weapons into Gaza.

The draft resolution calls for the deployment of an international observer force to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire and ensure the protection and safety of Palestinian civilians.

It calls for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East and the resumption of "accelerated" Israeli-Palestinian negotiations to resolve outstanding issues. dpa