United Nations, December 12 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations General Assembly held an emergency special session on December 12 and adopted a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, told Xinhua News Agency after the adoption of the resolution that China welcomes the adoption of the resolution by a large majority of votes in the UN General Assembly, and that the adoption of the resolution reflects the aspirations of the international community and must be fully and effectively implemented.
Zhang Jun said that on 11 July, together with representatives of other UN Security Council member states, he went to the Rafah border crossing on the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt to inspect the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip to the point where it is difficult to describe in words, and it must not worsen any further. A ceasefire is the overriding prerequisite, and the international community must intensify its concerted efforts to make an immediate ceasefire a common goal and a matter of the utmost urgency. At the same time, China supports the opening of more relief corridors to the Gaza Strip, increased access to humanitarian supplies, and further diplomatic mediation to facilitate the early release of all detainees.
Zhang Jun said that China will continue to play a responsible role and make unremitting efforts to restore peace, save lives and alleviate the humanitarian situation.
The resolution voted 153 in favour, 10 against and 23 abstentions. The resolution also calls on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, to effectively protect civilians and to release all hostages immediately. The resolution was co-sponsored by more than 100 countries. China also joined the co-sponsorship and voted in favour of the vote. (ENDS).