China firmly opposes any attempt to take over Gaza, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, on Sunday.
Speaking at a UN Security Council emergency meeting on Israel's plan to take over Gaza City, Fu said that the Security Council and the international community must take decisive and necessary actions before an even greater humanitarian disaster erupts.
Fu stressed that China is firmly opposed to any attempt to occupy Gaza.
"Recently, Israel's Security Cabinet approved a plan to take over Gaza. China is gravely concerned about this and urges Israel to stop the dangerous move at once. Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an integral part of the Palestinian territory. Any attempt to alter Gaza's demographic and territorial structure must be firmly resisted," he said.
Fu stressed the need to abandon the "use of force" mindset, saying only an immediate ceasefire can effectively save more lives and create conditions for the release of hostages.
He stressed that countries with influence on Israel should uphold a fair and responsible attitude and actively promote a ceasefire.
The Chinese envoy said that alleviating the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip is urgent.
"The lives of two million Gazans must not become casualties of war. The weaponization of humanitarian aid is unacceptable, as is the collective punishment of Gazans. Attacks on aid-seeking civilians and humanitarian workers are unacceptable. Israel must fulfill its obligations as an occupying power under international humanitarian law, open all border crossings, lift restrictions on the entry of aid, ensure the large-scale, rapid, and safe flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and support the United Nations in carrying out relief efforts in a manner consistent with humanitarian principles," said Fu.
He stressed that reviving the prospect of two-state solution remains the only viable solution to the Palestinian question for achieving peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel.
According to Fu, China will continue to work with the international community to end the fighting in Gaza, alleviate the humanitarian crisis, and strive to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question.
China firmly opposes any attempt to take over Gaza: Chinese envoy
China firmly opposes any attempt to take over Gaza: Chinese envoy
