China has called for an urgent cessation of hostilities in Gaza during a high-stakes UN Security Council debate, warning that Israel's prolonged military campaign risks creating irreversible humanitarian consequences. Deputy Permanent Representative Geng Shuang delivered Beijing's strongest remarks to date, stating the conflict has transformed Gaza into "a living hell" after nearly 700 days of fighting.
"Violence cannot bring security, and force will not deliver peace," Geng declared, condemning recent attacks on civilian infrastructure including the August 25 strike on Nasser Hospital that killed over 20 Palestinians. The Chinese diplomat criticized Israel's reported plans to seize Gaza City as a potential trigger for "further bloodshed and displacement."
The address highlighted three critical demands: immediate opening of all border crossings for humanitarian aid, cessation of West Bank settlement expansion in the E1 area, and renewed international commitment to the two-state solution. Geng accused Israel of systematically obstructing relief efforts while approving new construction projects that "erode Palestinian territorial continuity."
China's intervention comes as global divisions deepen over the conflict, with Geng urging influential nations to adopt "a fair and responsible stance." The speech reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to multilateral solutions, pledging to work with international partners to revive peace negotiations and address Gaza's worsening humanitarian crisis.
Analysts suggest China's increasingly vocal position reflects growing diplomatic engagement in Middle Eastern affairs, particularly following its successful mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia earlier this year. The Security Council session concluded without immediate action, but observers note mounting pressure for concrete measures to prevent further civilian casualties.
