The three nations, at emergency EU foreign ministers' talks, offered an alternative draft calling for an eventual "cessation of hostilities" - with no time frame given.

A warning in the original EU draft, drawn up by the EU presidency, said that disregard for precautions to avoid loss of civilian life in Lebanon "constitutes a severe breach of international humanitarian law."

This was altered by Britain, Germany and the Czech Republic to an appeal to all parties "do everything possible to protect populations and to refrain from actions in violation of international law."

"We're inching closer to finding common language. There must be a compromise acceptable for both camps," said Diana Strofova, Slovak secretary for foreign affairs.