China calls for implementation of Security Council resolution on Gaza cease
People are seen near destroyed buildings in the central Gaza Strip, on March 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
A Chinese envoy on Monday called for the implementation of the just-adopted Security Council resolution that demands an immediate cease-fire in Gaza for the holy month of Ramadan.
Nearly six months after the outbreak of the conflict, over 32,000 Palestinian civilians have lost their lives. For those, Monday's resolution comes too late. But for the millions of people in Gaza who remain mired in an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, this resolution, if fully and effectively implemented, could still bring long-awaited hope, said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.
"Security Council resolutions are binding. We call on the parties concerned to fulfill their obligations under the UN Charter and to take due action as required by the resolution," he said. "We expect the states with significant influence to play a positive role on the parties concerned, including by using all necessary and effective means at their disposal to support the implementation of the resolution."
All harm against civilians must cease immediately and the offensive on Gaza must stop at once. A cease-fire for the month of Ramadan is only the first step. It must serve as a basis for a permanent and sustainable cessation of hostilities, said the Chinese ambassador in an explanation of vote.
At the same time, the blockade of Gaza and the man-made barriers to access of humanitarian supplies must be lifted immediately to ensure that humanitarian supplies can enter Gaza in sufficient quantities expeditiously to reach people in need in a safe and timely manner, said Zhang.
Israel must fully cooperate to open Rafah and other land crossings. The UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, is indispensable and irreplaceable for the people of Gaza to receive international humanitarian assistance, he said. "We urge all parties to fully restore funding to UNRWA as soon as possible. We categorically reject Israel's recent vicious campaign of attacks against UNRWA and the UN system as a whole."
The Security Council must continue to follow closely the situation in Gaza and get ready for further action when necessary to ensure the timely and full implementation of the resolution, said Zhang.
China will continue to make unremitting efforts together with all parties to bring an early end to the fighting in Gaza, alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe, and implement the two-state solution, he said.
Related articles
WHO warns of persistent threats from COVID
(Xinhua) 09:50, January 13, 2024GENEVA, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- The public health risks resulting from t2024-06-03My baby daughter was left with horrifying pus
A distraught mother claims her daughter's lunch of an innocent celery stick left her face covered in2024-06-03Rupert Murdoch marries for the 5th time in ceremony at his vineyard
NEW YORK (AP) — Media magnate Rupert Murdoch, 93, has married for the fifth time, his corporation, N2024-06-03Yuka Saso wins another US Women's Open. This one was for Japan
LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) — Yuka Saso became a U.S. Women’s Open champion for the second time Sunday and t2024-06-03Yemeni gov't warns Houthis against military escalation in Red Sea
(Xinhua) 09:03, January 22, 2024ADEN, Yemen, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Presidential Leadership Council2024-06-03Israeli siblings Ron and Leah Polonsky chase Olympics from Bay Area rivals Stanford and Cal
STANFORD, Calif. (AP) — With nearly identical ear-to-ear smiles, Ron and Leah Polonsky stroll throug2024-06-03
atest comment