Zhang Jun, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, urgently called for a comprehensive ceasefire between Palestine and Israel during a UN Security Council briefing on the situation in the Middle East. With strong global support for an immediate end to the violence, Zhang emphasized the urgency of the situation, while highlighting the dire humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict.
International Community’s Plea for Peace
Zhang Jun underscored the urgency of achieving a ceasefire without delay, aligning with the call made by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the collective voice of the international community. Urging the UN Security Council to employ unambiguous language to demand an immediate ceasefire, Zhang stressed that the prolonged conflict could have catastrophic consequences, engulfing the entire region and undermining the prospects for a two-state solution.
He pointed out that Gaza has been plunged into darkness, enduring 15 consecutive days without electricity. Vital resources such as water, fuel, and basic necessities like food and medicine are running dangerously low. Zhang called on the occupying power to lift the siege on Gaza, restore essential supplies, and cease the collective punishment of its people. Moreover, he urged Israel to create conditions conducive to the normal functioning of the Rafah crossing, cease air strikes in its vicinity, and ensure the unimpeded flow of aid. China, he noted, had already provided humanitarian assistance through the Palestinian National Authority and UN agencies, with a commitment to continuing such support based on the evolving needs of Gaza’s population.
A Humanitarian Crisis in the Making
Emphasizing the appalling toll on civilians from the ongoing conflict, Zhang Jun stressed the importance of upholding the international rule of law and unequivocally condemning all violence and attacks against non-combatants. He underlined the need for diplomatic efforts to secure the immediate release of hostages, emphasizing that the root cause of the conflict lies in the prolonged illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, the neglect of Palestinian statehood, and the lack of effective protection for their basic rights.
China’s Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts for Peace
Zhang reiterated China’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace in the region, expressing that they have been actively engaged with all concerned parties. China’s role in the pursuit of a ceasefire, civilian protection, and averting a worsening humanitarian catastrophe underscores the nation’s dedication to the cause. He emphasized that China holds no self-interest in the Israel-Palestine question and is ready to support any initiative contributing to peace. In closing, Zhang affirmed that China would wholeheartedly back any endeavor that facilitates reconciliation between Palestine and Israel, showcasing their relentless commitment to achieving a lasting peace in the region.
As the world watches the Israel-Palestine conflict with growing concern, China’s call for a comprehensive ceasefire stands as a powerful reminder of the international community’s united appeal for peace, emphasizing the critical need to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and highlighting China’s ongoing efforts to facilitate a diplomatic resolution to this long-standing conflict.
