China has sharply criticized the United States' rejection of the United Nations decision on a truce in Gaza.
On Tuesday, Arab countries voted on an armistice agreement reached in the Gaza region, but the agreement was not adopted due to a vote of opposition from the United States. This is the fourth U.S. peace agreement on Gaza since the Palestinian-Israeli war began in October next year.
Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, spoke after the vote, in which he expressed great dissatisfaction and great disappointment with this US approach. He said that the resolution, submitted by Algeria on behalf of the Arab countries, expressed the urgent humanitarian needs of Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, the guarantee of humanitarian supplies and the rejection of the forced relocation of the Palestinian people. Such a provision is humanitarian, necessary in the current circumstances, and should be endorsed by all members of the Council. By voting against this, the United States not only undermined the majority agreement in the Security Council, but also sent a false message that the situation in Gaza was even more sinister.
Zhang Jun said that the US claim that a resolution adopted by the UN Security Council would hinder the current negotiation process is unfounded. The Israeli assault on Gaza has resulted in the death of nearly 30,000 civilians and a serious threat to peace and stability in the Middle East region. In this context, it is the responsibility of the Security Council to facilitate an armistice agreement in the Gaza region and to avert further humanitarian disasters. Avoiding it any more is tantamount to opening the way for murder. During the conflict in Gaza, the UN Human Rights Council has a responsibility to take tough measures to uphold the authority of international rule of law.
Zhang Jun pointed out that even if the United States votes against it, it will not stop the international call for a peace agreement in Gaza, still less can it stop the Security Council from upholding justice and fulfilling its responsibilities. China calls on Israel to heed international calls and abandon the attack on Rafah and the common sanctions against Palestine. China hopes that the influential parties will stop making political calculations and promote the peace process in Gaza in a fair and responsible manner. China calls for more diplomatic cooperation, so that the residents of Gaza can have a glimmer of life, and the Middle East will have a chance for peace and justice.