China urges Israel to implement UN resolution on Gaza ceasefire

Chinese envoy to the United Nations urged Israel to fully implement the UN resolution on the Gaza ceasefire on Friday, saying Gaza's tragedy tests the conscience of humanity and the credibility of the UN Security Council. 

"We urge Israel to immediately implement the requirements of the resolution and cease its military offensive against Gaza and its collective punishment of Gaza civilians," said Dai Bing, charge d'affaires of China's permanent mission to the UN, on Friday at the UN Security Council. 

He called for major countries to play an active role in promoting the implementation of the resolution and said China supports the UN Security Council to take "any necessary actions." 

Dai stated that humanitarian disasters in Gaza have reached a critical point, and Israel must fully implement the interim measures order issued by the International Court of Justice, including lifting the blockade and obstacles to humanitarian access to Gaza, and fully opening Rafah and all land crossings to guarantee rapid, adequate and safe humanitarian supplies to the region. 

He denounced Israel's attack against humanitarian transport vehicles and urged Israel to abide by international law and international humanitarian law, stop attacks on humanitarian agencies and personnel, and cooperate with humanitarian agencies to carry out assistance. 

Dai stressed that only by fully implementing the "two state solution" and establishing an independent State of Palestine, can the region break out of the vicious cycle of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He reiterated China's position on supporting Palestine to become a full UN member state and urged the Security Council to take action as soon as possible. 

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution on March 25 demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas. The U.S. abstained from the vote and the remaining 14 council members voted for it. The resolution demands an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. 

According to UN officials, over 32,000 people have been killed and 75,000 injured since the breakout of the conflict six months ago. In addition, 1.7 million people, 75 percent of Gaza's population, have been forced from their homes into precarious living conditions. 

The UN Human Rights Council on Friday adopted a resolution urging Israel to be held responsible for potential war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. The resolution also urges all nations to cease the sale, transfer and diversion of arms, munitions and other military equipment to Israel. 

Out of the 47 member nations on the UN Human Rights Council, 28 countries voted in favor, 13 abstained and 6 opposed the resolution. China supported the resolution, while the U.S. and Germany opposed it.