China has once more spoken out at the United Nations against Israeli aggression and in support of justice for the Palestinians.
Speaking at a Security Council briefing called at the request of Algeria on August 13, Ambassador Fu Cong said that:
Israel’s air strike on the Tabeen school in Gaza last week claimed around 100 innocent civilian lives. China strongly condemns this attack. Civilians and the civilian infrastructure must not be the target of military operations. This is a red line under the international humanitarian law. Attacking schools where a large number of civilians are seeking shelter again and again is a heinous act. Over the past ten months, millions of people in Gaza have seen their homes destroyed and their loved ones separated. They have been forced to move from place to place in search of a corner of peace, only to be met with indiscriminate bombardment and deaths that could befall them at any moment. As we speak, nowhere is safe in Gaza.
Underlining once again the pressing need for an immediate and durable ceasefire, Fu noted: “Two months ago, when pushing for Security Council Resolution 2735, the US claimed that Israel had accepted a ceasefire agreement. But the reality is quite the opposite. Instead of credible signs of Israel’s commitment to a ceasefire, what we see is ever-expanding military operations and ever-increasing civilian casualties.”
Pointing out that the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with hunger and disease spreading rapidly, the Chinese Ambassador continued: “Recently, a high-ranking Israeli politician described it as just and moral to starve two million people in Gaza. Such appalling remarks are totally unacceptable.” He added that: “We are gravely concerned about the incidents of sexual abuse by Israeli soldiers against Palestinian detainees. We call for investigations and accountability.”
We print below the full text of Ambassador Fu Cong’s remarks. They were originally published on the website of China’s Permanent Mission to the UN.
President,
I thank Algeria for requesting this meeting, and thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo and Director Lisa Doughten for their briefings.
Israel’s air strike on the Tabeen school in Gaza last week claimed around 100 innocent civilian lives. China strongly condemns this attack. Civilians and the civilian infrastructure must not be the target of military operations. This is a red line under the international humanitarian law. Attacking schools where a large number of civilians are seeking shelter again and again is a heinous act. Over the past ten months, millions of people in Gaza have seen their homes destroyed and their loved ones separated. They have been forced to move from place to place in search of a corner of peace, only to be met with indiscriminate bombardment and deaths that could befall them at any moment. As we speak, nowhere is safe in Gaza. In Khan Yunis, a place once declared a so-called safe zone by Israel, people there have been forced to flee in the face of new bombing rains. The desperate people of Gaza want to know where is the end of the war and where is the hope for survival.
An immediate and durable ceasefire is what the people of Gaza yearn for. It is also the overwhelming consensus of the international community. Two months ago, when pushing for Security Council Resolution 2735, the US claimed that Israel had accepted a ceasefire agreement. But the reality is quite the opposite. Instead of credible signs of Israel’s commitment to a ceasefire, what we see is ever-expanding military operations and ever-increasing civilian casualties. The US, as the largest supplier of weapons, has enough influence over Israel. We hope that the US will take sincere and responsible actions to push Israel to stop its military operations in Gaza as soon as possible and to stop slaughtering civilians.
President,
The humanitarian disaster in Gaza has continued to worsen. Hunger and disease are spreading rapidly. Recently, a high ranking Israeli politician described it as just and moral to starve two million people in Gaza. Such appalling remarks are totally unacceptable. Hunger must not be weaponized. Humanitarian issues must not be politicized. Civilian lives must not be trivialized as bargaining chips. China urges Israel to fulfill its international humanitarian law obligations by opening all border crossings and guaranteeing rapid and safe access for humanitarian supplies at scale. The World Health Organization is conducting a polio vaccination program for children in Gaza, which is crucial for stemming the spread of infectious diseases and protecting children’s health. Israel is obliged to protect the safety and freedom of movement of the medical workers involved.
The increased volatility of the situation in the West Bank is worrisome. We are gravely concerned about the incidents of sexual abuse by Israeli soldiers against Palestinian detainees. We call for investigations and accountability. China urges Israel to immediately cease all settlement activities, effectively curb the intensifying settler violence, and stop eroding the basis of the two-State solution. We reiterate that the two-State solution is the only viable way to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli issue. China supports the establishment of independent Palestinian state and advocates the convening of a larger, more authoritative, and more effective international peace conference.
President,
The fallout of the Gaza conflict is spreading ever faster. The situation in the Middle East is hanging in the balance. Nevertheless, irresponsible provocation and adventurism continue unabated. We are deeply worried about this. China reiterates that the key to avoiding the deterioration and escalation of the situation lies in achieving a comprehensive and durable ceasefire in Gaza without delay. China will work tirelessly to end the fighting in Gaza, alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe, implement the two-State solution, and achieve long-term peace, stability, and security in the Middle East.
Thank you, President.
Your honest and courageous stance is deeply appreciated, People’s Republic of China.
May a just peace indeed be in Palestine!