China’s deputy UN representative, Jen Shuang, called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, implementation of two state solutions and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state at the public meeting of the Security Council on the Palestine-Israel issue on Tuesday.
Geng pointed out that the Gaza conflict had been going on for almost two years, causing unprecedented death and destruction, the Global Times reported.
The ceasefire contract reached in January provided hope for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages. Unfortunately, the ceasefire is broken, the hostages remain in confinement and the suffering continues, Geng said.
Geng sought an immediate and durable ceasefire. More than 61,000 civilians in Gaza have lost their lives due to Israeli military operations, with more innocent lives being lost every day. The brutal reality proves that military instruments cannot resolve conflicts.
Geng has expressed serious concern over recent media reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to escalate Israeli military attacks and take full occupy Gaza. He urged Israel to immediately halt such dangerous actions, called on all parties to agree to a binding and sustainable ceasefire, appealing to a country with great influence to act responsibly and help end hostilities.
“We also call for urgent efforts to mitigate the humanitarian crisis,” Geng said. The two million innocent civilians in Gaza should not be victims of war and should not suffer from artificial disasters. Under the current extreme lockdown, the humanitarian situation is rapidly worsening and hunger is looming. Restricting the flow of aid only strengthens collective punishment, putting the lives of both civilians and hostages at even greater risk.
Geng said Israel must comply with international law, particularly international humanitarian law, fully restore access to humanitarian supplies and support relief efforts by the United Nations and other humanitarian organisations.