China calls for concrete actions of int'l community to implement 2-state solution

Zhai Jun, special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue, called on the international community to take solid actions on the implementation the two-state solution at a UN conference on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The high-level international conference for the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, opened at the UN headquarters on Monday.

Noting that an unprecedented humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Gaza, Zhai stressed at the conference that the foundation for the two-state solution is being eroded.

Under such urgent circumstances, China urges the international community to take concrete steps to implement the two-state solution, he said.

China called for the international community to promote the comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza with the greatest sense of urgency to ease the humanitarian crisis and create conditions conducive to the two-state solution's implementation, he noted.

China believes that "the Palestinians governing Palestine" is an important principle that must be upheld to advance governance in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, Zhai said.

The Chinese envoy also reiterated the importance of adhering to the principle of "Palestinians governing Palestinians," to advance governance in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

"Any attempt to forcibly change Gaza's status or encroach upon West Bank territory will not bring peace, but new chaos, and undermine the prospects of the two-state solution. China firmly opposes all actions and remarks that violate international law and attempt to hollow out the two-state solution," said Zhai.

Moreover, Zhai underscored the need to support Palestinian unity, strengthen its governance capacity and economic resilience.

China strongly supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state enjoying full sovereignty based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, he said.

The Chinese envoy emphasized the need to uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security for the lasting peace and security in the Middle East.

China believes that the only path for resolving the Palestinian issue lies in the two-state solution, which is the biggest consensus among the international community, Zhai said, noting that China is ready to work with the international community and play a constructive role for promoting deescalation of the regional situation.

"China hopes this conference will inject new momentum into realizing the two-state solution, with a clear timetable and a defined roadmap. China will continue to work with the international community to implement a ceasefire in Gaza and go further to the Palestinian issue in a comprehensive, just and durable manner at an early date," he said.

China calls for concrete actions of int'l community to implement 2-state solution

China calls for concrete actions of int'l community to implement 2-state solution

China calls for concrete actions of int'l community to implement 2-state solution

Russia on Friday reported seizing eight cities and towns over the past week, while Ukraine claimed on the same day that its forces had stabilized the situation in the direction of Kupyansk, according to two separate statements released by the two sides.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said in its latest report that over the past week, its forces had controlled eight cities and towns, including Seversk, over the past week in the special military operation zone.

It also said that in response to Ukraine's attacks on the civilian facilities in Russia, the Russian armed forces had launched one large-scale attack and five coordinated attacks from Dec 6 to Dec 12.

The targets included Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises and their associated fuel and energy facilities, transportation infrastructure, and airports and ports used for Ukrainian military operations, as well as temporary deployment points of the Ukrainian armed forces and foreign mercenaries.

The National Guard of Ukraine reported advances in the direction of Kupyansk, controlling two settlements and multiple districts in the northern part of the city and cutting off Russia's supply lines to the strategic hub.

It said the situation in the direction of Kupyansk had been stabilized.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on Friday that its forces had attacked a Russian oil refinery in the Yaroslavl region, aiming to cut off the Russian military's fuel supply chain.

It also said that on the same day, the Ukrainian forces had launched multiple attacks in the direction of Donetsk, destroying a Russian ammunition depot and hitting a concentration site of Russian personnel.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday on X that he had visited the city of Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region in eastern Ukraine.

During the visit, he met with the Ukrainian troops to mark the Land Forces Day and presented state awards to them.

Kupyansk, a key rail and road logistics hub, has seen intense battles since the autumn of 2024. In November this year, the Russian forces claimed that they had captured the city, according to local media reports.

Russia reports seizing settlements as Ukraine claims gains in direction of Kupyansk