The United Nations Security Council on Sunday called for an end to violence in Lebanon and stressed the urgency of securing a lasting, permanent and sustainable ceasefire.

In a presidential statement adopted by the Council at an emergency meeting Sunday, the Council expresses "extreme shock and distress" at the shelling by Israel of the Lebanese village of Qana, killing dozens of civilians, mostly children, and injuring many others.

"The Security Council strongly deplores this loss of innocent lives and the killing of civilians in the present conflict and requests the Secretary-General to report to it within one week on the circumstances of this tragic incident," the statement said.

The Council expresses again its utmost concern at the Lebanese and Israeli civilian casualties and human suffering, and urges all parties to grant immediate and unlimited access to humanitarian assistance.

The Security Council affirms its determination to work without any further delay to adopt a resolution for a lasting settlement of the crisis, drawing on diplomatic efforts underway, the statement said.

The Council also deplores any action against UN personnel and calls for full respect for the safety and security of all UN personnel and premises.

The presidential statement was adopted after prolonged consultations over the final version, which amended stronger language in an earlier draft circulated by the UN spokesperson's office.

Israeli missiles hit several buildings in the southern Lebanese village of Qana Sunday, killing at least 54, mostly children, in the deadliest attack in 19 days of fighting. Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora asked UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to hold an emergency Security Council meeting to arrange for an immediate cease-fire after the Qana strike.