Mr. Chair:

The two-State solution is the only viable way out for the resolution of the question of Palestine. This is the consensus of the international community and is also confirmed by relevant Security Council resolutions. Israel has long been an independent nation, but the Palestinian people's right to statehood, survival, and return has long been ignored. The establishment of an independent state is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people, and it is the only way to achieve peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel.

China commends France and Saudi Arabia for hosting an International conference on the two-State solution in June. It is our hope that this conference will not only inject new impetus into the political process of the two-State solution, but also help ease the current tensions. I'd like to make three points.

First, we must promote a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. Ending the current conflicts is the prerequisite for discussing any long-term arrangement and enduring peace. If the ceasefire in Gaza cannot be achieved, discussion about the two-State solution will be empty talk. The international community should make achieving a lasting ceasefire as the absolute priority, and the guarantor countries should take practical actions to this end.

Second, any unilateral actions that are contrary to the two-State solution must be stopped. The international community should firmly reject any attempt to annex the West Bank or Gaza, oppose illegal settlement in the West Bank, and oppose any forced relocation of the Palestinian people.

Third, we must strengthen our support to Palestine. The pursuit of independent statehood requires greater intra-Palestinian unity. Last July, China hosted the reconciliation talks of Palestinian factions in Beijing. We will continue making similar efforts. The pursuit of independent statehood also requires reconstruction and improvement of people's livelihoods. The international community should further increase humanitarian and development assistance to Palestine. China supports the work of UNRWA and will lend a helping hand.

At last, I'd like to reiterate, China will play a positive role in implementing the two-State solution and the preparation for the June conference, and endeavor to the achievement of a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the question of Palestine.

Thank you, Chair.