In a landmark vote on Thursday, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and unimpeded humanitarian assistance at scale.
The resolution passed with 149 votes in favor, 12 against and 19 abstentions, sending a clear political message from an overwhelming majority of UN membership.
China’s permanent representative to the UN, Fu Cong, welcomed the outcome as a reflection of global solidarity and consensus. He expressed regret over the Security Council’s failure to adopt a similar measure last week due to a U.S. veto.
In an explanation of vote, Fu called on Israel to halt its military assault on Gaza, stressing, "Israel continues to escalate its military offensive against Gaza, and each day, large numbers of innocent lives are lost. Whatever pretext will not make killing civilians noble or just."
Fu underscored that an immediate and permanent ceasefire is the only way to save lives and secure the release of hostages. "China urges Israel to immediately stop all its military operations in Gaza," he said, urging influential states to act with impartiality and responsibility.
He also condemned the weaponization of humanitarian aid, noting that while large-scale famine threatens Gaza, food supplies sit in warehouses just outside its borders, unable to reach civilians in need. "Such forced deprivation of the right of the people to subsistence supplies is in violation of international law. It is cruel and unacceptable," he said.
Fu highlighted that the UN General Assembly, the Security Council and the International Court of Justice have all issued calls for a ceasefire and greater humanitarian access, yet none has been effectively enforced.
Stressing the obligation of all member states under the UN Charter, he urged the international community to take necessary actions to stop violations, ensure accountability and uphold multilateralism and the authority of international law.
China pledged to continue working with global partners to ease the humanitarian crisis and to pursue a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
