President, 

I thank Algeria, Guyana, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, and Somalia for their initiative to convene this meeting. And I thank Secretary-General António Guterres for his briefing.

The Palestinian question is at the core of the Middle East issue, bearing on the Middle East’s peace and stability and global peace and security. Over seven decades or so, the Palestinian-Israeli situation has, time and again, fallen into turmoil and even led to the outbreak of wars, shaping the evolution of the international landscape and the development of international relations. Since the start of the current Gaza conflict, the Palestinian people have been deeply mired in suffering. Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iran, among others, have witnessed escalating tensions, and even Qatar has come under attack. The mounting conflicts and volatility in the Middle East have worsened the global security environment, dampened the economic outlook for the world, and run counter to the common interests of the international community. It is therefore imperative to accord this issue with utmost importance and accelerate the resolution of the Palestinian question, which lies at the heart of the current turmoil. I will make four points. 

First, we must bring an end to the tragedy in Gaza without delay. The conflicts over the past nearly two years have left Gaza devastated and scarred. Yet Israel continues to escalate its military offensive, causing even greater civilian casualties and displacements. Military means is not the solution to the problem. An immediate ceasefire is the right way to save lives and bring the hostages home. We urge Israel to cease all military actions in Gaza without delay, fulfill its obligations as the occupying power under international humanitarian law, and fully restore access to humanitarian supplies. Last week, the Security Council draft resolution on Gaza was vetoed once again by a permanent member. With deep disappointment, we expect the relevant country to actively shoulder its responsibility and make earnest efforts to end the war. 

Second, we must alleviate the tensions in the West Bank. Israel continues to expand settlements in the West Bank, forcibly demolishing Palestinian structures while conducting frequent raids, arrests, and attacks, and condoning settler violence. Recently, the occupying power has also approved and advanced the E1 settlement plan. This dangerous action constitutes a grave violation of international law and Security Council resolutions, undermining the territorial contiguity of Palestine and eroding the foundation for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. We call on Israel to immediately cease all settlement activities, curb settler violence, and remove restrictions on Palestinian economic activities. 

Third, we must rectify the historical injustices suffered by the Palestinian people. Israel has long established itself as an independent state. The Palestinian people, however, remain without a homeland. This is the root of the problem. The two-State solution is the only viable way to solve the Palestinian question. It is irreplaceable and must not be denied. Yesterday, the General Assembly High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution once again issued a strong call in support of the two-State solution. A number of Western countries have recently recognized the state of Palestine one after another. The international community should sustain the current momentum, strive to revitalize the prospect for the two-State solution, and support the early establishment of an independent Palestinian state and its admission as a full member state of the United Nations. Both Gaza and the West Bank are inalienable parts of the Palestinian territory. We must resolutely oppose any unilateral actions that undermine the foundation of the two-State solution. Any “day after” governance and reconstruction arrangements must respect the will of the Palestinian people and uphold the legitimate rights of the Palestinians. 

Fourth, we must maintain peace and stability in the Middle East. From the onset of the current Gaza conflicts, there have been frequent abuses of force and military adventurism, which have triggered profound changes in the regional landscape. The Middle East is once again standing at a historical crossroads. Relaxation or escalation, dialogue or confrontation, peace or war, these are the choices that the regional countries and the international community should make. Collectively, we call on all parties to effectively respect the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of countries in the Middle East. We call on Israel to earnestly respect the rights to survival and development of the people in the Middle East, and call on countries in the region to prioritize long-term peace and security, uphold the vision of common security, resolve differences through inclusiveness, address conflicts through dialogue, come together to shape the regional order based on equity and justice, and jointly build a future of peace and development for the region. 

President, 

China always upholds fairness and justice on the Palestinian question, and always firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people. Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward in succession the Global Security Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, contributing China’s solutions to resolving conflicts and hotspot issues, maintaining international peace and multilateralism, and enhancing global governance. They also provide important guidance for addressing the Middle East issues. Guided by these initiatives, China will stay committed to working with the international community to promote a ceasefire, alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe, implement the two-State solution, and ultimately achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question, so that both Palestinians and Israelis may live in peace and happiness, and the Middle East may embrace a future of peace, stability, development, and prosperity. 

Thank you, President.