President,
China supports the convening of this emergency meeting. I thank Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher and Ms. Bushra Khalidi for their briefings.
Recent developments in the Middle East have shown signs of de-escalation. We hope this positive momentum can be sustained and create favorable conditions for addressing other regional hotspots, including Gaza. Although a ceasefire agreement was reached in Gaza last October, peace has yet to materialize. Death and suffering remain a daily reality for the people of Gaza. The international community should work together to put an end to the violence, improve the humanitarian situation, and restore lasting peace as soon as possible. I wish to make four points.
First, a lasting and genuine ceasefire must be achieved in Gaza, and civilians must be protected. Gaza is trapped in the difficult reality of a ceasefire coexisting with low-intensity attacks, with innocent civilians continuing to lose their lives every day. Since the ceasefire agreement was reached, more than 1,000 people have reportedly been killed as a result of Israeli military operations. Israel has also continued to expand its military occupation and enlarge the so-called “Yellow Zone,” while even stating its intention to control 70 percent of Gaza's territory. China is seriously concerned about these developments. Lasting security cannot be achieved through military means. The use of force will only create further obstacles to peace. We call on all parties, especially Israel, to fully comply with the ceasefire agreement and refrain from any actions that violate it. Countries with significant influence over the parties concerned should take more proactive steps to help achieve a durable ceasefire.
Second, humanitarian access to Gaza must be comprehensively expanded to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Under Israel's stringent restrictions, more than two million people in Gaza remain trapped in what has become an open-air prison. Adequate food, clean water, and safe shelter—basic necessities for human survival—have become unattainable luxuries. Gaza's health conditions continue to deteriorate. Shortages of medicines and fuel have pushed the healthcare system to the brink of collapse, while sewage contamination and overcrowded living conditions are contributing to the spread of infectious diseases. Humanitarian access must not be weaponized. The frequent closure of crossing points only exacerbates collective punishment. We urge Israel to fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law, lift restrictions on humanitarian supplies, fully open crossing points, and ensure the entry of urgently needed food, medicine, fuel, shelter materials, and other essential assistance into Gaza.
Third, humanitarian organizations must be allowed to carry out their work, and Gaza's lifeline must be safeguarded. Humanitarian agencies constitute a vital bridge sustaining the lives of the people in Gaza, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) remains the backbone of humanitarian operations there. For some time, UNRWA has been subjected to continued attacks and suppression by Israel. More than 390 UNRWA staff members have been killed in Gaza. Israel's recently introduced registration policy targeting international non-governmental organizations will further impede and restrict humanitarian operations in Gaza. Israel should cease its actions against UNRWA, support and facilitate the work of UNRWA and other humanitarian organizations in Gaza, and ensure that humanitarian assistance can be delivered safely, effectively, and without obstruction.
Fourth, post-conflict arrangements in Gaza must be advanced in a prudent manner, and the two-State solution must be implemented. Gaza is the homeland of the Palestinian people. Any arrangements or newly established mechanisms must adhere to the principle of “the Palestinians governing Palestine,” respect the wishes of the Palestinian people, and contribute to rather than undermine the implementation of the two-State solution. Gaza lies in ruins and urgently requires recovery and reconstruction. Imposing preconditions on reconstruction efforts would only prolong the suffering of civilians. The international community should take irreversible steps toward implementing the two-State solution and reject any attempts to alter the demographic or territorial composition of Gaza. Last month, the Security Council considered the first report submitted by the Board of Peace. The Council should continue to closely follow developments in Gaza and post-conflict arrangements and play its due role.
China stands ready to work with the international community to promote a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, end the humanitarian catastrophe, advance the implementation of the two-State solution, and achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution of the Palestinian question at an early date.
Thank you, Mr. President.