Chinese ambassador urges permanent peace in enclave

The United Nations Security Council adopted its first resolution on Monday aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza.

China's UN ambassador emphasized the urgent need for an immediate, permanent cease-fire and highlighted the country's support in stopping the killings and alleviating the humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, said it would be more prudent for the parties to reach an agreement first and then for the Security Council to approve the resolution. However, if the Security Council's actions help promote an agreement and achieve an immediate and permanent cease-fire, such actions are still significant.

China and the Security Council have strongly called for a cease-fire for several months. The urgent expectation is shared by the suffering of people in Gaza, Fu said.

"Based on the urgent need to stop more killings and alleviate the humanitarian disaster, China voted in favor of the draft resolution," he said.

Fu noted that the emergency sessions of the UN General Assembly and Security Council have repeatedly demanded an immediate, unconditional and lasting cease-fire; the release of all hostages and detained Palestinians; guaranteed, timely humanitarian aid to Gaza; protection of civilians; and accountability for violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza.

Fu noted that while the draft resolution has been amended based on the Security Council members' opinions, many ambiguities remain.

The resolution adopted on Monday has the same binding force as resolutions 2712, 2720 and 2728 and should be fully and effectively implemented, he said.