A Chinese envoy urged an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and called for alleviating the humanitarian disaster there. China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Fu Cong made the remarks at a UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday.

Israel has escalated its military offensive in Gaza since May 16, with densely populated areas being flattened. In the past two weeks alone, more than 1,000 Gazan civilians have been killed. The Security Council and the General Assembly have passed several resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire, but the conflict has not yet subsided. 

Fu stressed that "extending the conflict will not lead to the release of hostages; it will only result in more death and hatred."

He stated that abiding by international humanitarian law is an undeniable obligation for all parties and urged Israel to ensure humanitarian assistance in Gaza. He also called the Israeli side to protect civilian facilities and humanitarian workers.

Fu reiterated that Israel must immediately cease all military operations, and lift the blockade and fully restore access to humanitarian supplies, supporting international humanitarian agencies like the United Nations in their aid efforts.

The envoy pointed out that Gaza and the West Bank are inseparable parts of the Palestinian state. The international community must firmly oppose attempts to annex Gaza or the West Bank and oppose forced displacement of Gaza's population. He urged the U.S. to adopt a fair and responsible approach and take practical and strong actions.

Fu further emphasized that the implementation of the "two-state solution" is the only feasible path to resolving the Palestinian issue. He committed that China will continue to work with the international community to help end the Gaza conflict, alleviate the humanitarian disaster, achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, and restore peace and stability to the Middle East.