A Chinese envoy on Tuesday called on Israel to immediately halt its military operations in Gaza, urging a return to peaceful negotiations. Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, addressed the Security Council, expressing deep concern over the recent escalation of violence.
“China regrets the harm done to the hard-won ceasefire and is gravely concerned about Israel’s resumption of hostilities in Gaza. We strongly condemn this,” Fu Cong stated. He emphasized that military means are not the solution to the longstanding Palestinian-Israeli issue.
“The stark contrast between months of conflict and weeks of ceasefire clearly shows that the indiscriminate use of force is not the right way to bring back hostages and may even put them at greater risk,” he added.
Fu Cong urged all parties to fully implement the ceasefire agreement in good faith, without attempts to alter or undermine it. He also called for the immediate restoration of humanitarian access to Gaza, emphasizing that humanitarian aid should not be weaponized or politicized.
“China strongly opposes the use of humanitarian aid as a bargaining chip. This violates international law, especially international humanitarian law,” he said.
The envoy expressed support for the Gaza recovery and reconstruction plan initiated by Egypt and other Arab states, advocating for the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine. He underscored the importance of allowing the Palestinian people to rebuild their homes in their own territory.
Fu Cong also voiced concern over what he described as “a dangerous sign” in the Middle East, where the international rule of law and order appear to be undermined. “The law of the jungle seems to reign. This is worrisome and concerning,” he remarked.
He called on the UN Security Council to take prompt action to end the chaos, facilitate a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, restore peace in the region, and work towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question.
