Chinese envoy calls for lasting ceasefire in Gaza

A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called for efforts to promote a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

More than three months have passed since the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza was reached. However, military strikes are still ongoing and civilian casualties continue to rise. China calls on all parties, Israel in particular, to fully comply with the ceasefire agreement and work toward a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.

The situation in the West Bank remains tense as Israel continues to expand settlements and condone settler violence there. Israel should immediately halt settlement activities and curb settler violence, Fu told an open debate of the Security Council on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

It is crucial to alleviate civilian suffering and ensure unhindered humanitarian access to the occupied territory, said Fu.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. China urges Israel to fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law, open all border crossings, lift the restrictions on humanitarian access, and cease its suppression of humanitarian agencies, he said.

Recently, an East Jerusalem compound of the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) was forcibly demolished. China expresses grave concern over this development. Israel has an obligation to ensure the privileges and immunities of UNRWA and its normal operations, he said.

Post-conflict arrangements in Gaza should be advanced in a prudent and orderly manner in line with the two-state solution, said Fu.

"Gaza is the homeland of the Palestinian people, and its post-conflict arrangements are crucial to the political settlement of the Palestinian question. Any arrangements concerning Gaza's future should adhere to the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine, respect the will of the Palestinian people, accommodate the legitimate concerns of Middle Eastern countries, and be aligned with the two-state solution," he said.

"China will continue to support Palestine's leading role in post-conflict governance in Gaza."

As the Security Council bears primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, it should continue to closely follow the situation in Gaza and its post-conflict arrangements and play its due role in this regard, said Fu.