President,

I thank Deputy Special Coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov and Mr. Nikolay Mladenov for their briefings.

At present, the conflict in the Middle East continues to expand, and tensions are escalating rapidly, causing serious consequences for regional stability and the global economy. At the same time, the Palestinian question is deteriorating at an accelerated pace. Shelling in Gaza continues, settlement activities in the West Bank are intensifying, and the foundation of the two-State solution is at risk of being further eroded. In the face of this grave situation, the international community must demonstrate strong political will and take decisive actions to advance a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question at the earliest possible date. I will make three points. 

First, we must prioritize human life and immediately end the suffering of the people of Gaza. Since the ceasefire agreement was reached, Israel has continued to launch attacks, killing more than 600 Gazans. Recently, Israel has further tightened restrictions on humanitarian access and closed the Rafah crossing for many times, further worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The situation in Gaza concerns the very foundation of international morality. China calls on all parties concerned, especially Israel, to fully comply with the ceasefire agreement and achieve a genuine, comprehensive, and lasting ceasefire. Israel must fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law, fully open border crossings, lift restrictions on humanitarian access, and cease attacks on humanitarian organizations, especially UNRWA.

Second, we must uphold international rule of law and resolutely end illegal activities in the West Bank. Recently, the occupying power has accelerated its settlement policies and expanded settlement activities, leading to the displacement of more than 36,000 Palestinians in the West Bank in the past year. Violent incidents involving settlers have sharply increased, causing numerous Palestinian civilian casualties and significant property damage. On March 15, four Palestinian civilians were fatally shot by Israeli security forces, which is deeply shocking. Settlement activities constitute a serious violation of international law and Security Council Resolution 2334. Any violence against civilians must be condemned. Israel must immediately stop settlement activities, curb settler violence, refrain from the excessive use of force against civilians, investigate and hold accountable those responsible for attacks on civilians, and put an end to impunity. 

Third, we must uphold fairness and justice and accelerate efforts to advance the two-State solution. There is only one universally recognized and reasonable path to the question of Palestine, that is the two-State solution. Any other alternative arrangements or new mechanisms must uphold the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine, respect the will of the Palestinian people, and support, instead of undermine, the two-State solution. The relevant country should, in accordance with the requirements of Security Council Resolution 2803, brief the Security Council on the situation in a timely manner. Gaza and the West Bank are both integral parts of the State of Palestine. The international community must firmly reject any attempt to annex Palestinian territory and oppose unilateral actions that erode the foundation of the two-State solution. The international community cannot accept the Palestinian question being marginalized once again, and should make irreversible steps to advance the two-State solution and support the establishment of an independent State of Palestine at an early date. The UN has the responsibility to play a leading role in this process.

China will continue to work with the international community to promote a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, end the humanitarian catastrophe, implement the two-State solution, and help restore justice for the State of Palestine, restore tranquility for its people, and restore peace for the Middle East. 

Thank you, President.