A Chinese envoy on Wednesday urged Israel to lift the restrictions on humanitarian access in Gaza, while calling for promoting a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in the region.
Fu Cong, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, made the call at a UN Security Council open debate on the Middle East.
He stressed that the primary task is to maintain peace and stability, and stop all violent conflicts in the region.
The Palestinian question remains at the core of the Middle East issue, said Fu, calling on the international community to further build consensus and advance a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution to the Palestinian question.
China calls on all relevant parties, especially Israel, to fully comply with the ceasefire agreement, said Fu.
"The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical, with access to humanitarian supplies severely restricted. We urge Israel to fulfill its obligations under the international humanitarian law by opening all crossing points, lifting restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid, and halting suppression of humanitarian organizations," Fu stressed.
Noting the post-war arrangements for Gaza are closely linked to the political settlement of the Palestinian question, Fu said that any future arrangements for Gaza must uphold the principle of "the Palestinians governing Palestine", respect Palestinians' aspirations, take into account the legitimate concerns of Middle East countries, and align with the two-state solution.
Chinese envoy urges Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian access in Gaza
Chinese envoy urges Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian access in Gaza
More than three weeks after U.S. strikes on military sites in Venezuela, many Caracas residents said the psychological scars remain deep, even as people push forward with everyday routines.
The strikes on January 3 focused on military targets in Caracas, including Fort Tiuna, a major military installation in southwestern Caracas, which includes command centers, and civilian neighborhoods built by the government for low-income families.
The strikes left parts of the complex in ruins, with civilians living nearby experiencing intense fear and disruption.
Yesenia Acevedo, who runs a small convenience store in the residential area of Fort Tiuna, described how business has declined after the attack. Her shop, which had enjoyed steady customers for three years, was forced to close for a week due to safety concerns.
"After the bombing, this area was designated as a war zone. Everyone was forced to evacuate. After the airstrikes on January 3, the number of customers dropped sharply. Some of them were regulars. I think they're afraid and won't come back. If they personally experienced the bombing that day, it must have been a nightmare," said Acevedo.
Emma Chavez, owner of a bakery in the neighborhood, was out of the city when the strikes occurred. Family and employees called to alert her to the chaos.
"When I returned, I felt the vibe here was very strange, full of uncertainty. Everyone was talking about it [the bombing]. Many people came back because they had nowhere else to go, they had to return. Their hearts are filled with fear, even now. But everyone has to look forward and continue with normal life," said Chavez.
Both Acevedo and Chavez condemned the U.S. strikes as illegal and inhumane, while emphasizing the resilience of Venezuelans in the face of adversity.
"It's not so much about believing we can get through the hard times; it's that we have to keep living normally. We have no other choice. Venezuelans are very resilient, we can endure any adversity. Of course, we're afraid, because we don't know what the future holds. Everyone knows the United States is a warlike country, and war is a business for the U.S. But we Latin Americans love peace. For us, war is something from games or movies. I think it's inhumane, I can't imagine anyone thinking it's justified," said Chavez.
"I think all of America's actions toward Venezuela are illegal. The raid has become a turning point in our lives. It's hard to say our lives can return to normal right away, because the psychological trauma is still there. But Venezuelans are tough and unyielding; we always keep moving forward," said Acevedo.
Caracas residents struggle to rebuild life amid lingering trauma from US strikes
