China Calls on Israel to Cease Encroachment on Palestinian Land and Resources

In a recent address to the United Nations Security Council, Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, called on Israel to immediately halt its encroachment on Palestinian land and resources. Geng emphasized the need for Israel to respect international law and the historical status quo of religious holy sites in Jerusalem.

During the Security Council briefing on the situation in the Middle East, Geng expressed China's concerns regarding the illegal expansion of Israeli settlements on occupied territories. He emphasized that these settlement activities not only violate international law but also contravene Security Council Resolution 2334. Geng pointed out that Israel has continued to advance unilateral actions, including approving returns, building new settlements, and legalizing existing settlements, since the beginning of the year.

Addressing the issue of religious holy sites, Geng urged Israel to refrain from provocations and guarantee the right to worship for Muslim worshipers. He stressed the importance of upholding the peace and tranquility of religious holy sites and respecting the custodianship of Jordan. Geng's remarks came in response to a recent incident where a senior Israeli security official entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for the second time this year, causing renewed tensions.

Geng also highlighted the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. Since the beginning of the year, over 100 Palestinians, including children, have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict. Israel has also suffered civilian casualties. Geng urged all parties to cease violence against civilians and to refrain from targeting schools, hospitals, and other public infrastructure. He called for the alleviation of the plight of Palestinian refugees and the fulfillment of the economic and livelihood needs of Palestine. Geng further emphasized the importance of lifting the blockade on Gaza and ensuring unhindered flow of people and reconstruction supplies.

The Chinese envoy underscored that upholding the historical status quo of religious holy sites, ceasing the expansion of settlements, and respecting international humanitarian law are crucial in preventing further escalations of tensions between Palestine and Israel. He emphasized that these requirements should not be used as bargaining chips and that the international community has a responsibility to ensure their implementation.

Geng reiterated China's unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their pursuit of legitimate national rights. China firmly supports the establishment of a fully sovereign and independent state of Palestine based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

China's call for Israel to cease encroachment on Palestinian land and resources adds to the international pressure on Israel to address the ongoing conflicts and work towards a peaceful resolution. The statement highlights China's commitment to supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and its stance on the establishment of a viable Palestinian state. As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, the international community's involvement and efforts to facilitate peace and stability in the region remain crucial.