In a pressing appeal on Wednesday, Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, called on the Security Council to take swift and decisive actions to ease the Lebanese-Israeli tensions.
Speaking during a briefing on the situation, Fu emphasized, \"The Security Council bears the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.\" He outlined several urgent measures needed to stabilize the region:
- Establish an immediate ceasefire in Gaza
- Advance the de-escalation of the Lebanese-Israeli situation to halt the cycle of violence
- Prevent the spread of fighting beyond the current hotspots
- Encourage all parties to return to political and diplomatic negotiations
Fu warned that the volatility of the current situation is \"hanging by a thread.\" He cautioned against any passive procrastination, stating that it would be irresponsible and could lead to severe consequences. \"Any rhetoric condoning further military adventurism sends the wrong message and exacerbates the crisis,\" he added.
The ambassador highlighted the devastating humanitarian impact, describing Gaza as \"a hell on Earth\" due to massive destruction of civilian infrastructure, thousands of casualties, and the displacement of over one million people in Lebanon. He called for all parties involved to respect international humanitarian laws and prioritize the protection of civilians.
Fu also underscored the importance of maintaining the neutrality of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon and ensuring the safety of UN peacekeepers. \"UN assets and personnel should not be the target of armed attacks,\" he asserted.
Concluding his remarks, Fu expressed hope that influential nations would adopt a sincere and responsible stance, actively contributing to de-escalating the situation and fostering a path toward lasting peace.
Reference(s):
Chinese envoy urges actions to de-escalate Lebanese-Israeli situation
cgtn.com
