China called for a comprehensive implementation of the ceasefire deal at the Gaza Strip and urged swift progress on the second phase of negotiations at a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Tuesday.
Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, voiced deep concern over the immense humanitarian crisis caused by 15 months of conflict in Gaza.
He called for the immediate release of all hostages and stressed the need to ensure that the 2 million surviving residents in Gaza are not trapped in further violence.
Fu underscored that the ceasefire agreement must be fully upheld to achieve lasting peace.
"Violations of the ceasefire agreement have occurred frequently in recent days. We are gravely concerned and strongly urge all parties to fully implement the ceasefire agreement. Particularly in ensuring humanitarian aid access and the release of hostages, the terms of the ceasefire must be strictly honored with sincerity and seriousness. The international community should encourage and support parties concerned to speed up negotiations. In particular, countries with significant influence over the parties involved, should play their role to this end," he said.
Fu also expressed concern over Israel's large-scale military operations in the West Bank, which have continued for over a month.
He noted that this has led to the largest displacement of Palestinians since 1967.
Warning against further escalation, Fu criticized Israel's plan to maintain a long-term military presence in the West Bank and urged an immediate halt to military actions, settlement expansion and settler violence to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Emphasizing that the root cause of the prolonged crisis is the failure to implement the two-state solution, Fu called for Gaza's post-war governance to be led by Palestinians.
He urged the international community to support Gaza's reconstruction and safeguard the irreplaceable role of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in humanitarian aid and rebuilding efforts.
China, he affirmed, will continue working with the international community to seek a comprehensive, just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue and broader Middle East peace.
China urges full implementation of ceasefire deal in Gaza
China urges full implementation of ceasefire deal in Gaza
China urges full implementation of ceasefire deal in Gaza
