(26 March 2025)

Mr. President,

China is deeply concerned about the current situation between Palestine and Israel and we condemn the recent large scale air strikes on Gaza that have resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties and we deeply deplore the collapse of the cease fire. The immediate priority is to avoid any actions that risk further escalation and avoid broader human rights and humanitarian catastrophe. The occupying power must honestly fulfill its international law obligations by immediately and fully restoring humanitarian access to Gaza and respecting and protecting the basic human rights of the Palestinian people.

Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian territory. Any forced change to its status will not bring peace, instead it will only fuel renewed unrest. China firmly opposes the forced transfer of the Gaza population. The international community must contribute to a comprehensive and lasting cease fire in Gaza while scaling up humanitarian assistance. China supports the Gaza peace plan jointly initiated by Egypt and other Arab countries. China supports the early start of reconstruction under the principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine”.

Mr. President, the ultimate solution of the Palestinian question requires the return to the correct path of the “two state solution”. Only genuine peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel can guarantee that the two peoples enjoy human rights equally. China supports the just cause of Palestinian people of restoring the legitimate rights and stands ready to work with the international community for an early comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question in pursuit of the “two state solution”.

I thank you, Mr. President.