China on Wednesday took over the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for November with a focus on the situation in Palestine and Israel.

The situation in Palestine and Israel tops the Security Council's agenda in November, said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN.

"It is imperative to promote a cease-fire and halt the fighting, prevent further civilian casualties, prevent a larger-scale humanitarian disaster and prevent the conflict from spilling over," Zhang said at a news briefing on the work of China's presidency of the UNSC.

"As the rotating president of the Security Council, China will respond to the calls of the international community and work with all parties concerned to promote responsible and meaningful collective action by the council in a timely manner," Zhang said.

The UNSC in November will also consider issues including Syria, Yemen, Bosnia and Herzegovina, take action on the UN Assistance Mission in the Sudan and hold its annual regular dialogue with the commissioner of Peacekeeping Police, according to Zhang.

The presidency of the UNSC rotates among the 15 member states of the council monthly. China last held the rotating Security Council presidency in August 2022.

(Cover: The UN headquarters in New York, U.S. /CFP)