Mr. President,

China also thank the UAE for the massive and tireless efforts for this draft resolution. The core of this draft resolution submitted by the UAE on behalf of Arab countries is to request for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for all hostages to be released. The draft has nearly 100 co-sponsors and China is one of them. We express great disappointment and regret that the draft has been vetoed by the US.

Two months of fighting has already caused unprecedented deaths and destruction. An immediate ceasefire is the overriding prerequisite. On this issue, any negative attitude is untenable, and however much justification remains feeble. It needs to be pointed out that condoning the continuation of fighting while claiming to care about the lives and safety of the people in Gaza and the humanitarian needs there is self-contradictory. Condoning the continuation of fighting while advocating prevention of spillover of the conflict is self-deceiving. Condoning the continuation of fighting while making every mention of the protection of women and girls and human rights is extremely hypocritical. All this shows once again what double standard is. 

Although the draft resolution has been vetoed, the international community's strong call for ceasefire and ending the fighting, the protection of civilians, and the prevention of greater humanitarian disasters will not subside, and the steps of the Security Council in upholding justice and fulfilling its duties will not stop. We urge Israel to heed the call of the international community and stop the collective punishment of the people in Gaza. We support further diplomatic mediation to promote the early release of all people held captive. We call upon all relevant parties to pour all efforts towards the common goal of ending the fighting in Gaza, to keep alive the hope of survival for the Palestinian people, and to keep alive the hope for peace in the Middle East region.

Thank you, Mr. President.