China supports new UN Security Council draft resolution on Gaza cease-fire
Beijing, China – AFP
China said Monday it supported a new draft resolution at the UN Security Council on an “immediate” cease-fire in Gaza, after it and Russia vetoed an earlier text proposed by the United States.
“China supports this draft resolution and commends Algeria and other Arab countries for their hard work in this regard,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said.
“We hope the Security Council will pass it as soon as possible and send a strong signal for the cessation of hostilities,” he said.
Israel has killed 32,226 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, since October 7 last year.
The Council has approved only two of the eight resolutions presented on the war, with both dealing mainly with humanitarian aid to the devastated Gaza Strip.
Permanent Council member and key Israel backer the United States has unequivocally supported Israel following Hamas’s attacks on October 7.
Last Friday, the Security Council voted on a draft submitted by the United States that called for an “immediate” cease-fire linked to the release of the Israelis held by Hamas.
China and Russia vetoed the resolution, criticizing it for stopping short of explicitly demanding Israel halt its campaign.
The new text, according to the version seen by AFP on Sunday, “demands an immediate cease-fire” for the ongoing Muslim holy month of Ramadan, “leading to a permanent sustainable cease-fire.”
It also “demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages as well as the lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale.”
The text is being put forward by non-permanent members of the Security Council.
Beijing, which is a permanent Council member and holds veto power, said Monday it supported the resolution.
“This draft takes a clear stand in demanding a cease-fire and expanding humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and thereby accords with the correct orientation of the Security Council’s actions,” Lin said.
“At present, the conflict in Gaza is dragging on, causing a humanitarian crisis,” he said.
“The international community expects the Security Council to practically and comprehensively fulfill its duties,” he added.
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