China urges further efforts for immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza

The international community must work together to push for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, a Chinese envoy to the United Nations said on Wednesday. The UN General Assembly (UNGA) on the same day adopted two non-binding resolutions at its emergency special session on the Palestine question, with one demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, and the other one calling on Israel to rescind its new laws on banning the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The ceasefire resolution was passed with 158 votes in favor, nine against and 13 abstentions. The United States and Israel were among the countries which voted against the resolution. The resolution supporting UNRWA's operation received 159 votes in favor, nine against and 11 abstentions. Speaking at the session, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Fu Cong noted that the two resolutions reflect the international community's call for justice.