China Welcomes UN Security Council Resolution on Gaza Ceasefire, Urges Humanitarian Aid and Peaceful Negotiations
China has expressed support for the UN Security Council’s (UNSC) resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, praising it as “unequivocal and correct in its direction.” This stance contrasts with the US’ failed attempt to pass a similar resolution last week that did not materialize due to opposition from China and Russia.
Zhang Hanish, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, emphasized the need for an end to civilian harm, urging humanitarian supplies to be allowed into Gaza in “sufficient quantities” to reach those in desperate need. China also lauded the efforts of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and urged all parties to restore funding for this vital organization.
China’s stance comes as UNICEF spokesperson James Elder has expressed frustration over the complicated process of delivering aid to those in need within the Gaza Strip. He detailed the challenges faced by UNICEF staff attempting to provide essential supplies, waiting for hours at checkpoints only to be turned away.
Background: Humanitarian workers and government officials in Gaza have reported a clear pattern of Israeli obstruction when it comes to distributing aid, with the Israeli agency controlling access imposing arbitrary and contradictory criteria.
In the lead-up to Israel’s military raid on Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, an eyewitness reported the presence of hundreds of Hamas and Islamic Jihad members inside the facility. Some were armed militants carrying guns, according to the report. The Israeli military launched a major operation at Al-Shifa, claiming that Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants had embedded themselves within the hospital. As a result, thousands of civilians were left stranded without access to food, water, or medical services.
Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari claimed that approximately 180 “terrorists” were killed during the raid on Al-Shifa, with no harm coming to patients, doctors, or medical teams. However, witnesses reported that hundreds of civilians, including patients and medical staff, were trapped inside the hospital for days with limited access to food, water, or medical services.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz has stated that Israel “will not cease fire” after the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as well as the urgent need to expand the flow of aid into Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that the outcomes of the war in Gaza would impact the region for decades to come, making peaceful negotiations and finding a lasting solution imperative.
Tensions between Israel and the US were highlighted on Monday when Washington chose to abstain from the UN Security Council vote, allowing it to pass without US opposition. This decision prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cancel a scheduled trip to the US by two of his top advisers, Tzachi Hanegbi and Ron Dermer.
Unrelated to this situation, at least two people were reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Monday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed they struck a Hezbollah military structure in the area of Meiss El Jabal, while Lebanon’s state-run NNA reported civilian casualties. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has resulted in at least 316 deaths and the displacement of nearly 91,000 people since October 8.
Amidst all these developments, Hamas has stated that they will adhere to their original position and vision presented on March 14 for a complete ceasefire in Gaza. They hold Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for obstructing negotiations and reaching an agreement thus far.
