New York, (Date) — A Chinese envoy has called on Israel to lift all restrictions on humanitarian access in Gaza, urging an immediate opening of all crossings to alleviate the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council briefing on Tuesday, Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the UN, emphasized that humanitarian issues should not be politicized or used as weapons of war. “This is the fundamental bottom line of international humanitarian law,” he asserted.
Fu highlighted that during the 13-month-long conflict in Gaza, civilians have been repeatedly deprived of basic necessities, breaching humanitarian norms time and again. “The biggest challenge in scaling up humanitarian assistance does not lie in the shortage of supplies but in the man-made restrictions on access,” he said.
The ambassador criticized Israel for restricting humanitarian access while simultaneously accusing the UN and aid agencies of inaction. “This is unacceptable,” he stated, calling for Israel’s full cooperation with the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations.
Fu pointed out that the recent completion of polio vaccinations in Gaza, supported by the World Health Organization, demonstrates the possibility of expanding humanitarian assistance when political will exists. “What is most lacking is not material supplies or policy conditions, but the political will of a key party,” he noted.
The envoy urged Israel, as the occupying power, to fulfill its obligations under international law and refrain from using humanitarian assistance as a bargaining chip. “The key to the issue is that Israel must not be permitted to use humanitarian aid for political leverage,” he emphasized.
Stressing the need for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, Fu called for the early implementation of the two-state solution as the fundamental path to ending the conflict and restoring peace in the region. He urged Israel to halt its military actions in Gaza and cease violations against Lebanon and other countries.
“An enduring peace requires genuine efforts from all parties involved,” Fu concluded, reaffirming China’s commitment to supporting peace initiatives and humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
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Chinese envoy urges Israel to stop using Gaza aid as bargaining chip
cgtn.com
