China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, has urged Israel to put an immediate stop to its encroachment on Palestinian lands and resources. The call came during a Security Council briefing on the situation in the Middle East, specifically focusing on the persisting Palestinian issue.
During his address, Geng Shuang emphasized the need for Israel to respect the historical status quo of religious holy sites in Jerusalem. He expressed concern over recent provocations, particularly an incident on May 21, when a senior Israeli security official entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, leading to heightened tensions. Geng called for an end to such provocations and for Israel to guarantee the right to worship for Muslim worshippers, maintain peace and tranquility at religious holy sites, and uphold Jordan’s custodianship.
The deputy permanent representative also stressed the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and protecting civilians. He deplored the loss of lives, including those of children, in the conflict between Israel and Palestine this year. Geng called on all parties involved to cease violence against civilians and to refrain from targeting schools, hospitals, and other public infrastructure.
Geng highlighted the pressing need to address the plight of Palestinian refugees and meet the economic and livelihood needs of the Palestinian people. He called on Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza as soon as possible and ensure the unhindered flow of people and reconstruction supplies in and out of the region.
The ambassador emphasized that upholding the historical status quo of religious holy sites, ceasing the expansion of settlements, and respecting international humanitarian law were essential requirements for preventing further escalations of tensions between Palestine and Israel. He urged all parties to fulfill these obligations without using them as bargaining chips. Geng called on the international community to take responsibility for ensuring the implementation of these requirements and not remain indifferent to the ongoing situation.
Geng reiterated China’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate national rights. China continues to advocate for the establishment of a fully sovereign and independent state of Palestine based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The ambassador urged the international community to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions to advance the Middle East peace process. He called for the influential countries involved to make genuine efforts and not impede the Security Council’s pursuit of a minimum consensus on the Palestine-Israeli issue.
China’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict remains consistent. Geng’s call for Israel to halt its encroachment on Palestinian lands and resources aligns with China’s support for the two-state solution and its commitment to upholding international law. By emphasizing the importance of respecting the historical status quo of religious sites and protecting civilians, China seeks to contribute to a peaceful and just resolution of the conflict. The international community’s engagement and commitment are crucial in ensuring the implementation of these requirements and working towards a lasting peace in the Middle East.
Geng Shuang emphasized the importance of upholding the historical status quo of religious holy sites and urged Israel to cease its provocations in order to guarantee the right to worship for Muslim worshippers. He stressed the need for Israel to respect the custodianship of Jordan and maintain peace and tranquility at these religious sites.
Turning to the humanitarian situation in Palestine, Geng expressed deep concern over the escalating civilian casualties, including the tragic loss of innocent lives, particularly among children. He called on all parties involved to immediately halt violence against civilians and refrain from targeting vital infrastructure such as schools and hospitals.
Addressing the plight of Palestinian refugees, Geng emphasized the urgency of alleviating their suffering and meeting the economic and livelihood needs of the Palestinian people. He called on Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza as soon as possible. Additionally, Geng emphasized the importance of allowing the unhindered flow of people and reconstruction supplies in and out of Gaza, which is crucial for the region’s recovery and development.
The deputy permanent representative reiterated China’s firm support for the Palestinian people and their just cause to restore their legitimate national rights. China remains committed to the establishment of a fully sovereign and independent state of Palestine, based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Geng called on the international community to move beyond mere rhetoric and take concrete actions to advance the Middle East peace process. He stressed the need for influential countries to make genuine efforts and refrain from obstructing the Security Council’s quest for a minimum consensus on the Palestine-Israeli issue.
China’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause aligns with its long-standing position on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The call to respect the historical status quo of religious holy sites, protect civilians, and address the humanitarian situation underscores China’s commitment to upholding international law and advocating for a just and peaceful resolution. The international community’s active engagement and collective efforts are vital in ensuring the implementation of these requirements and working towards a sustainable and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Stressing the significance of upholding the historical status quo of religious holy sites, halting settlement expansions, and adhering to international humanitarian law, Geng emphasized these as fundamental requirements to prevent repeated escalations of tension between Palestine and Israel.
He warned, “The parties concerned are duty-bound to implement them and should not use them as bargaining chips. The international community has the responsibility to ensure their implementation and should not be indifferent.” Geng asserted that these requirements are also foundational steps towards reviving the two-state solution, urging the international community to act rather than just verbalize their support for this solution.
He stated, “The country with major influence on the parties concerned should make concrete efforts to advance the Middle East peace process and should not unjustifiably prevent the Security Council from arriving at the minimum consensus on the Palestine-Israeli issue.”
Geng reasserted China’s position on the matter, expressing the nation’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people and their just cause to restore their legitimate national rights. He affirmed China’s backing for the establishment of a fully sovereign and independent Palestinian state, as per the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. It is yet to be seen how this call from China will influence the complex, decades-old Israel-Palestine conflict, as international stakeholders continue to grapple with a lasting resolution.
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