A Chinese representative on Tuesday called on Israel to remove restrictions on humanitarian access in Gaza and stop using aid as a political tool, as the already critical humanitarian conditions continue to worsen.
During a UN Security Council briefing on Gaza’s food security, Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, emphasized that humanitarian issues should not be politicized, nor should hunger be used as a weapon, stating that this is a core principle of international humanitarian law.
Fu highlighted that during the 13 months of conflict in Gaza, civilians have repeatedly been denied basic needs, and numerous violations of humanitarian principles have occurred.
The envoy noted that the biggest obstacle to increasing humanitarian assistance is not a lack of supplies but the artificial restrictions on access, urging Israel to open all crossings and remove barriers to aid delivery throughout Gaza.
He criticized Israel for restricting humanitarian access while accusing the UN and aid agencies of failing to act, calling for Israel to cooperate fully with the UN and other humanitarian organizations.
Fu stressed that the real issue in providing aid is not the availability of resources but the political will to allow access, pointing out that the successful polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, facilitated by the WHO, shows that humanitarian aid can be expanded if the political conditions are met.
He reiterated that Israel, as the occupying power, must fulfill its legal obligations under international law and cannot use humanitarian aid as leverage, adding that a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the implementation of a two-state solution are crucial to ending the conflict and achieving peace.
Fu called on Israel to halt its military actions in Gaza and cease its violations in Lebanon and other nations, emphasizing that a lasting peace can only be achieved through a comprehensive and fair resolution.
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