Photo taken on Oct. 13, 2023 shows buildings destroyed in Israeli strikes in Gaza City. The death toll from Israeli strikes on Gaza and West Bank has totaled 1,843, while 6,638 others were wounded, the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry said. (Photo: Xinhua)

With the escalation of the Palestine-Israel conflict claiming more than 3,200 lives and deteriorating into a humanitarian crisis in Gaza Strip, Chinese diplomats urged restraint from all parties, a ceasefire and international efforts to realize a "two-state solution," revealing that China's special envoy will visit the region in near future.

Chinese Permanent Representative to the UN Zhang Jun articulated China's position on the current situation between Palestine and Israel during an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Friday, where he called for all efforts to be made to promote an immediate ceasefire and prevent a more serious humanitarian disaster from occurring.

China condemns all violence and attacks against civilians and opposes any actions that violate international law. China once again calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, support all efforts to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, prevent the further escalation of tensions and prevent the spillover of the conflict, which could have a greater impact on regional and international security, the ambassador said.

Protecting civilians in armed conflicts is a red line stipulated by international humanitarian law, Zhang said, indiscriminate the use of force is unacceptable, and both Palestinian and Israeli civilians should not be targeted. The safety of UN staff and humanitarian workers must be ensured.

Zhang said that China is deeply concerned about the consequences of Israel's comprehensive blockade over Gaza Strip and the order for the emergency evacuation of the northern Gaza residents. He called on Israel to seriously listen to the international community and the UN Secretary-General's appeal, to stop the collective punishment of the people in Gaza and avoid exacerbating an unfolding humanitarian disaster.

China supports active discussions on the establishment of a humanitarian corridor in Gaza and reaching a feasible arrangement as soon as possible. China appreciates the efforts made by Egypt and other relevant countries. China supports diplomatic mediation to ensure the personal safety and humanitarian needs of the detained individuals, and to secure their early release and safe return home, Zhang said.

Photo:AFP

Military means are not the solution to the Palestine-Israel issue. Resorting to violence will only lead to an endless vicious cycle. The fundamental solution lies in restoring genuine negotiations as soon as possible, realizing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and achieving peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel. While conducting crisis management, the international community must adhere to the fundamental direction of the "two-state solution," promote broader consensus, and establish a timetable and roadmap for this purpose, Zhang stressed.

The ambassador emphasized that the UN has a responsibility to play its due role, and the UN Security Council must demonstrate leadership and take concrete measures to promote a ceasefire, prevent humanitarian disasters and form a consensus as soon as possible, issuing a strong voice and taking practical actions.

Also on Friday, top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi exchanged views on the Palestine-Israel issue with visiting EU top diplomat Josep Borrell.

China will continue to stand on the side of peace, justice, international law, the common aspirations of most countries, and the conscience of humanity, Wang remarked.

The Palestine issue has always been at the core of the Middle East and remains an open wound in today's world. The root of this problem lies in the long-delayed realization of the Palestinian people's aspiration for independence and statehood, and the historical injustices they have suffered that have yet to be rectified.

Just as Israel has the right to establish a state, so does Palestine. While the Israeli people have secured their survival, who are there to care about the survival of the Palestinian people? The Jewish nation is no longer wandering the Earth, but when will the Palestinian nation be able to return to their homeland? In this world, there are various injustices, and the injustice toward Palestine has been prolonged for half a century, carrying the pain of several generations. This cannot continue any longer, Wang stressed.

The "two-state solution" must be fully implemented for the region to achieve true peace, and for Israel to attain lasting security.

Wang revealed that Chinese government's special envoy on Middle East issues will visit regional countries in the near future to engage in active efforts promoting a ceasefire and de-escalation of the situation.

China also calls for a prompt convening of a more authoritative, influential and wide-ranging international conference under the leadership of the UN, to gather international consensus on promoting peace and push for a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the issue.

Global Times