President, 

I thank Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Major General Patrick Gauchat for their briefings. 

Lebanon and Syria have recently been mired in turmoil, severely impacting and challenging the operations of UNIFIL and UNDOF. The international community should act in unity and support both Missions in their effective mandate implementation. I would like to share four points.

First, respect for the Missions’mandates. UNIFIL and UNDOF are Security Council-mandated Missions. They are instrumental in keeping the situation on the ground generally stable in their respective areas of operations. Some time ago, UNIFIL's mandated operations met with interference and restrictions were imposed on UNDOF's patrols. The country concerned has an obligation to implement relevant Council resolutions and lift without delay all restrictions to ensure the Missions’ freedom of movement. 

Second, protection of peacekeepers. Some time ago, the IDF attacked UNIFIL's positions and an observation tower, causing injuries to UNIFIL personnel. Forced entry by unauthorized individuals also happen to UNDOF's camps. I wish to reiterate that no UN mission may be targeted in military operations, and all deliberate attacks on peacekeepers constitute a gross violation of international law. The aforementioned acts must be investigated to establish accountability. China supports the Secretariat and the Missions in taking necessary steps to enhance their situational awareness, surveillance and information analysis capabilities, so that they can better respond to emergencies. Troop- and police-contributing countries should step up security training and capacity building for their peacekeepers.

Third, respect for sovereignty of the countries concerned. In December last year, while claiming that it was taking “limited and temporary measures”, Israel deployed troops in the area of separation and has kept them there to this day. This must not be allowed to become a new normal. The Golan Heights is internationally recognized as an occupied Syrian territory. We urge Israel to respect Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, implement the relevant Council resolutions and the Agreement on Disengagement, withdraw from the Syrian territory without delay, and cease and desist from any action that may complicate the situation. 

Fourth, full commitment to the effort to achieve a ceasefire. While China welcomes the cessation of hostilities agreement between Lebanon and Israel, we note with concern the continuous strikes against Lebanon. On January 15, the mediators announced that an agreement had been reached on a ceasefire in Gaza, which China welcomes. We sincerely look forward to the effective implementation of the agreement, so that a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire can materialize in Gaza to contribute to the deescalation of tensions in the wider Middle East. That said, Israel's final approval of the agreement is still pending, and the IDF operations in Gaza are ongoing and have added further 80-plus casualties to the tally, all of which tells us that the current situation in Lebanon and in Gaza remains very fragile. The international community, the Security Council in particular, should remain united and work as one to encourage and facilitate the implementation of ceasefire agreements and to maintain regional peace and stability. 

Last but not least, I wish to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the personnel of both Missions, each and every one of them who are holding the fort amid upheaval and volatility and to convey our appreciation of their hard work in the service of peace and security. China stands ready to work with the international community to continue supporting their implementation of mandate and do more for the peace and security in the Middle East. 

Thank you, President.