Madam President,

I thank Deputy Special Coordinator Alakbarov, Mr. Itay Epshtain, and Ms. Mariam Barghoutiis for their briefings.

The question of Palestine lies at the heart of the Middle East issue. It is a matter of international fairness and justice and has a direct bearing on peace and stability in the Middle East. Today, violence and death continue in Gaza, tensions remain high in the West Bank, and the foundations of the two-State solution are being steadily eroded. The prospects for resolving the question of Palestine are facing even greater challenges. The international community must reverse this negative trajectory, take robust action to end the suffering of the Palestinian people without delay, and ensure that justice is done for Palestine. China wishes to highlight three priorities.

First, peace and stability must be restored in Gaza. The ceasefire agreement has yet to bring genuine peace. Israel continues its bombardment and military operations while expanding its military occupation. More than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since then, with, on average, one child losing his or her life every day. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic. Essential supplies are in critically short supply, sanitary conditions are appalling, and more than two million people are struggling to survive amid the rubble. History has repeatedly shown that security is indivisible. No country can build its own security on the insecurity of others. Military occupation and pressure can never bring lasting peace. We call on all parties, Israel in particular, to fully implement the ceasefire agreement and achieve a genuine and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. Israel must fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law as the occupying Power, lift restrictions on humanitarian access, and support and facilitate the delivery of assistance by humanitarian agencies, including UNRWA.

Second, tensions in the West Bank must be de-escalated. Despite strong calls from the international community, the situation in the West Bank continues to deteriorate. The occupying Power has accelerated settlement expansion, tolerated settler violence, and continued to encroach upon Palestinian territory. Under severe restrictions, the West Bank economy is on the brink of collapse, while the Palestinian Authority faces an acute fiscal crisis. Security Council resolution 2334 and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice have made it abundantly clear that the illegal occupation and settlement activities undermine the foundations of the two-State solution and must come to an immediate end. Violating the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and undermining security and stability in the West Bank will only fuel hatred and ultimately backfire. We urge Israel to immediately cease all settlement activities, curb settler violence, and ensure serious accountability for attacks. Israel should lift its unjustified restrictions on the West Bank economy, promptly transfer the withheld clearance revenues, and stop undermining the governance capacity of the Palestinian Authority.

Third, the two-State solution must be fully implemented. The two-State solution is the only viable path to resolving the question of Palestine. It cannot be denied, nor can it be replaced. Gaza and the West Bank are integral parts of the State of Palestine. Any arrangements or the establishment of new mechanisms must adhere to the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine, respect the will of the Palestinian people, and contribute to, rather than undermine, the implementation of the two-State solution. The international community should build greater consensus and reinvigorate the prospects for the two-State solution, reject any attempts to alter the demographic composition or territorial status of Palestine, oppose all unilateral actions that undermine the foundations of the two-State solution, and support the early establishment of an independent State of Palestine based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital and enjoying full sovereignty.

Madam President,

The question of Palestine has remained unresolved for decades, but the basic framework for its settlement has long been established. The path to peace is already before us. What is needed is political will and courage. War cannot continue forever. It must ultimately give way to understanding and mutual trust. We call on all parties to place the well-being of the Palestinian people and peace and stability in the Middle East above all else, and to work together for the early realization of a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the question of Palestine. China remains committed to making unremitting efforts toward that end.

I thank you, Madam President.