President, 

China supports the holding of today's Security Council emergency meeting. I thank Assistant Secretary-General Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee for her briefing. 

Recently, the situation between Lebanon and Israel has escalated sharply. Israel has expanded its military operations against Lebanon, continued to enlarge the so-called security zone, and even crossed the Litani River and occupied Beaufort Castle. This is Israel's deepest military incursion in Lebanon in more than 20 years. Israel has also stated that it plans to further expand ground operations. The intentions behind this, and the potentially severe consequences, are deeply concerning to the international community. The ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel is now close to existing in name only. The international community must take urgent actions before the situation slides into an even more dangerous abyss. I would like to make three points. 

First, there must be an immediate cessation of hostilities to ease tensions. Israel's continued advancement of its war machine has already claimed the lives of over 3,400 people in Lebanon. Military force is not the solution, and expanding occupation cannot bring lasting security. All parties concerned, especially Israel, must immediately cease hostilities, fully observe the temporary ceasefire arrangements, implement Council Resolution 1701 and other related resolutions, and work to deescalate the situation as soon as possible. We have noted that Lebanon and Israel are negotiating a ceasefire. We welcome all efforts aimed at peace, and hope that countries with important influence over the parties will take active actions to bring about a ceasefire as soon as possible. The sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Lebanon must be respected. Israel must immediately and fully withdraw its forces from Lebanon. 

Second, stepping up support for Lebanon to stabilize the domestic situation. The fighting has destroyed many towns and infrastructure in Lebanon, displaced more than one million people, and aggravated the humanitarian situation in southern Lebanon. It is important to increase emergency humanitarian assistance to Lebanon and ensure sufficient funding for humanitarian organizations to help Lebanon respond to its humanitarian challenges. Lebanon has its own unique national circumstances. The international community should support its efforts in maintaining national stability and promoting internal unity. We welcome the Lebanese Government's efforts to strengthen state control and support an active political dialogue among all parties within Lebanon to properly resolve differences. 

Third, UNIFIL must be guaranteed the ability to perform its duties in order to maintain regional stability. UNIFIL plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining stability in the situation between Lebanon and Israel. Since this round of escalation, there have been multiple incidents in which UNIFIL personnel have been attacked and their operations obstructed. China condemns any attacks against peacekeepers, and urges all parties to effectively ensure the safety and freedom of movement of UNIFIL and to ensure accountability for all those attacks. As UNIFIL's mandate is about to expire, the Security Council must make a responsible decision to ensure the continued UN presence in Lebanon and to prevent a security vacuum. 

China will work with all parties to help ease the situation between Lebanon and Israel as soon as possible and to restore peace and stability in Lebanon and the Middle East. 

Thank you, President.