China ‘welcomes’ UN Security Council vote on Gaza

Beijing, China — AFP

China has welcomed the UN Security Council call for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, urging swift “action” to halt fighting over the final weeks of Ramadan.

After more than five months of war, the UN Security Council for the first time demanded an immediate cease-fire in Gaza after Israel’s forefront ally the United States, which had always vetoed previous drafts, abstained.

All other 14 members voted in favour of the resolution, which calls for the truce to lead to a “lasting, sustainable cease-fire” and demands that Hamas free Israeli prisoners it has been holding since October 7.

Beijing said it “welcomes” the move, noting the “conflict in Gaza is still raging, causing a serious humanitarian crisis”.

“The United Nations Security Council’s resolutions are binding, and we demand that the parties fulfill their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and take due action as required by the resolutions,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular briefing.

“We expect countries with significant influence to play an active role in supporting the implementation of the resolution.”

China, he said, “will continue to work with all parties to bring an early end to the fighting in Gaza, alleviate the humanitarian situation and promote the implementation of a two-state solution”.