President, 

I thank Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland for the briefing. 

Over the past 13 months, the conflict in Gaza and the situation in the Middle East have continued to take the most prominent place on the Security Council's agenda. We considered the issue frequently, yet the situation continued to worsen. We adopted resolutions requesting an immediate ceasefire, yet a ceasefire remains elusive to this day. Instead, the fighting has only intensified. We unanimously requested the protection of civilians, yet we saw that international humanitarian law seemed to exist in name only, with tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians deprived of their lives in collective punishment. Time and again, we requested expanding humanitarian assistance, yet Israel repeatedly cut off humanitarian supplies and attacked humanitarian assistance personnel. We made countless warnings against the spillover of the conflict, yet we saw reckless adventurism and the constantly spreading flames of war. We have to painfully admit that on the Palestinian question, the Security Council has failed to effectively discharge its duties, and has failed to respond to the expectations of the international community, which one can say is most disappointing. 

However, it needs to be pointed out that the unsatisfactory performance of the Security Council is not caused by differences between some countries and some others, but rather due to the fact that one permanent member has been on the opposite side of the international community. Had it not been for the repeated exercise of the veto by the US or its claim that Security Council resolutions are not binding, the Security Council would not have been so weak and incompetent. Had it not been for the continued provision of weapons by the US, the war would not have lasted for so long, and would not have caused such massive destruction. 

The current situation in the Middle East remains extremely precarious. It is unacceptable for the Security Council to continue to remain at a standstill and do nothing. We call upon all members to stand united and support the Council in taking strong actions.

First, an unconditional and immediate ceasefire must be imposed. A ceasefire is the prerequisite for saving lives and restoring peace. Linking the issue of a ceasefire with other issues and even setting preconditions for a ceasefire is essentially giving a green light to prolong the war and condoning the continued killing. The Security Council must unequivocally request an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. Israel should also let go of its obsession with the use of force and stop violations against other countries, including Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. 

Second, humanitarian assistance must be expanded. Gaza is undergoing an unprecedented and man-made humanitarian disaster. This is an undeniable fact and the causes are unarguable. Israel, as the occupying power, must fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law, effectively remove all obstacles to humanitarian access, ensure the orderly distribution of supplies across the whole of Gaza, and guarantee the safety of humanitarian agencies and their personnel. We urge Israel to stop suppressing UNRWA and stop implementing and revoke the bills against the Agency. 

Third, unilateral actions in violation of international law must be stopped. International law and relevant Security Council resolutions provide the fundamental guidance for settling the Palestinian question. We express grave concerns over reports that Israel is seeking to station its military in Gaza for the long term, build its so-called buffer zone, and even rebuild settlements. We reiterate that any acts to change the population or territory of Gaza are unacceptable. The future governance arrangement for Gaza should be determined independently by the Palestinian people. The illegal settlements in the West Bank erode the foundation for establishing an independent state of Palestine. The dangerous attempts to annex the West Bank will completely bury the prospects of peace in the Middle East. The international community must firmly reject them. 

Fourth, the two-State solution must be revitalized. The two-State solution is the only viable way out for the Palestinian question. Now, more than ever, revitalizing the two-State solution requires the guarantee of the international community. China welcomes the efforts by Saudi Arabia, the EU, Norway, and others to revitalize the two-State solution. We support convening a more broad-based, more authoritative, and more effective international peace conference, with the aim of formulating the timetable and roadmap for implementing the two-State solution. We expect progress to be made at the emergency special session of the GA regarding the request for the international peace conference on implementing the two-State solution. 

President, 

The E10 have already proposed a draft resolution requesting an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This represents a fresh round of efforts by the Security Council to stop the war and restore peace. China supports the prompt vote on and adoption of the resolution by the Council. 

I wish to conclude by pointing out that every moment leaves its record in history. At present, any delay and obstruction of the Security Council's actions will ultimately face the judgment of history. 

Thank you, President.