CHINA supports a new draft resolution at the UN Security Council (DK) regarding an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The latest draft following being proposed by the United States (US) was vetoed by China and Russia.
“China supports this draft resolution and commends Algeria and other Arab countries for their hard work in this regard,” said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian.
He hopes the UNSC will pass it as soon as possible and send a strong signal for a cessation of hostilities. The war began with an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7 that resulted in approximately 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians.
Israel has vowed to destroy the militants, who also hold around 250 hostages, of which Israel believes around 130 are still in Gaza, including 33 people thought to be dead.
The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by Hamas, on Sunday (24/3), put the total number of fatalities in the area at 32,226 people, most of whom were women and children.
The council has been divided over the Israel-Hamas war since the Oct. 7 attack, and approved only two of eight resolutions, both of which mainly relate to humanitarian aid to the devastated Gaza Strip.
Also read: Coalition of Arab Countries Urges UNSC to Take Action to Save Gaza
A permanent member of the Council and Israel’s main supporter, the United States firmly supports Israel’s right to defend itself following the unprecedented Hamas attack.
Last week, the DK voted on a draft submitted by the United States calling for an immediate ceasefire linked to the release of hostages.
China and Russia vetoed the resolution, criticizing it for not explicitly demanding that Israel halt its campaign.
Also read: US wants a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, Hamas is reluctant
The new text demands an immediate ceasefire during the ongoing holy month of Ramadan, leading to a sustainable, permanent ceasefire.
The resolution also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and the removal of all obstacles to the provision of large-scale humanitarian assistance.
The text was submitted by non-permanent members of the UNSC, who worked with the United States over the weekend to avoid a veto, according to diplomats who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Also read: UN Security Council Reviews ICJ Decision, Algeria: Time of Israeli Impunity Has Ended
Beijing, which is a permanent member of the UNSC and holds veto rights, said on Monday (25/3) that it supported the resolution.
“This draft takes a clear stance in demanding a ceasefire and expanding humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip, and thus conforms to the Security Council’s correct action orientation,” Lin said.
“Currently the conflict in Gaza is still protracted, causing a humanitarian crisis. “The international community expects the Security Council to fulfill its duties in a practical and comprehensive manner,” he added.
(AFP/Z-6)
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