The United States argued that now was not the time to apportion blame, but instead to concentrate on ensuring the success of the forthcoming meeting between the Israeli and Palestinian leaders, which is hoped will defuse the crisis.
The Palestinian authority has called on the UN Security Council to end what it terms the Israeli security force's brutal campaign against Palestinian civilians.
In a open debate on the recent violence in the Middle East, Israel responded by telling the Council that the Palestinian authority bore responsibility for inciting its people to take part in the disturbances.
Speaking through an interpreter, Mr al-Kidwa accused Israeli soldiers of committing war crimes and called on the international community to intervene.
He said the Security Council had specific responsibilities, and called upon it to put an immediate end to Israel's "brutal campaign".
Recriminations
"The Council has to bring to an end the violations by the occupying power under the fourth Geneva convention," he added.
Ambassador Lancry accused the Palestinian authority of indulging in inflammatory rhetoric and inciting violence.
"It is regrettable that at such a sensitive time in the Middle East peace process, the Palestinians have once again decided to resort to violence for political gain," he said.
"The Palestinian authorities' willingness to incite popular violence as a means to elicit concessions in the negotiations, serves only to hinder our ability to arrive at a permanent settlement," he added.
Opposing views
After both sides had exchanged their opposing views, the members of the UN Security Council set out their positions.
The United States argued that now was not the time to apportion blame, but instead to concentrate on ensuring the success of the forthcoming meeting between the Israeli and Palestinian leaders, which is hoped will defuse the crisis.
Most other countries agreed that the talks should be given every chance of succeeding, but a clear majority strongly criticised what they described as Israel's excessive use of force.
Some also questioned the visit to Muslim holy places in Jerusalem by the Israeli opposition leader, Ariel Sharon, which many believe provoked the latest violence.