China supports the Security Council in using all options in its toolbox to take further actions for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Middle East, said Permanent Representative to the United Nations Fu Cong on Tuesday.
Speaking at the UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question, Fu said that Gaza and the Middle East as a whole are experiencing worsening dilemma, elusive peace prospects, and a looming all-out war. The Security Council should act immediately on the pressing issues, with a view to promoting ceasefire, saving lives, and restoring peace.
An immediate and permanent ceasefire is the prerequisite for saving lives and preventing further deterioration of the situation, and there is no justification for any delay, said Fu.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has been providing relief in accordance with its mandate from the General Assembly. It is the backbone of humanitarian assistance in Gaza. The Israeli Knesset, in total disregard of the strong opposition of the international community, passed two bills in an attempt to restrict and close the UNRWA. China strong condemns it, said Fu.
"Closing the Agency would be a new round of collective punishment of several million of Palestinian refugees in the region, and would severely affect the humanitarian situation, security, and stability in the region. We demand Israel to stop advancing and revoke the relevant bills and ensure the dignity, safety, and facilitation for the work of UN humanitarian agencies, including the UNRWA," said Fu.
The United States has announced that it would reinvigorate ceasefire negotiations. China hopes that the negotiations will not fall into the weird cycle of marking time as it has been seen in the past few months. Nor should they become a pretext for prolonging and expanding the fighting. The relevant diplomatic efforts should not be used as an excuse to obstruct the Council actions. China supports the Security Council in using all options in its toolbox to take further actions for a ceasefire, said Fu.
"In the current context, certain countries are continuing their massive supply of weapons to Israel. Whether such acts would be conducive to realizing the objectives of the Council resolutions or not is a matter that must be taken seriously. We hope that countries concerned will take seriously the grave consequence of their massive supply of weapons and stop fueling the flames of military adventures," said Fu.
China supports Security Council taking further efforts for ceasefire: envoy
