China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, warned of the repercussions of a possible Israeli occupation of the entire Gaza Strip.
Geng told the Security Council last night: "We urge Israel to immediately cease these dangerous actions, and all parties to immediately reach a binding and sustainable ceasefire agreement. We also urge countries with significant influence over the parties concerned to act in a fair and responsible manner and take concrete steps to help achieve a ceasefire," according to the Chinese news agency Xinhua.
He noted that "Israeli military operations have resulted in the deaths of more than 60,000 civilians in Gaza, and innocent lives continue to be lost daily. The harsh reality has proven that military means are not a solution, and that an immediate ceasefire is the best way to save lives and return the hostages to their homes."
Geng emphasized that "two million innocent civilians in Gaza should not be victims of war, nor should they endure further suffering from man-made disasters. Under the current unjust blockade, the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza continues to worsen, with a severe famine looming."
He emphasized that the full implementation of the two-state solution and the realization of an independent Palestinian state is the only viable way to resolve the Palestinian issue and prevent the recurrence of similar hostage crises. The international community should jointly oppose unilateral actions that undermine the foundations of the two-state solution and intensify efforts to advance the political process toward its realization.
He added that China will continue to work with the international community to end the fighting in Gaza, alleviate humanitarian suffering, implement the two-state solution, and ultimately achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.
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