Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Fu Cong has urged Israel to abandon its plan to take over Gaza City, warning it could further escalate the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region. Speaking at an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Sunday, convened after Israel’s security cabinet approved the controversial plan, Fu outlined four “musts” for resolving the conflict: firmly opposing the occupation of Gaza, rejecting reliance on force, alleviating the humanitarian catastrophe, and reviving the two-state solution.
Fu condemned Israel’s proposed military expansion in Gaza’s north, calling Gaza “an inseparable part of Palestinian territory” and stressing that any attempt to alter its demographic or territorial structure must be “resolutely rejected.” He called on Israel to cease military operations, avoid actions that inflame tensions, and open all crossing points for the rapid, safe delivery of humanitarian aid.
The ambassador denounced the “weaponisation of humanitarian supplies” and the collective punishment of Gaza’s population, urging influential nations to act impartially to secure a ceasefire. He emphasised that more than 61,000 people have been killed during 22 months of conflict, underscoring the urgent need for international intervention before “an even greater catastrophe” occurs.
Israel’s security cabinet last week adopted five principles for “concluding the war,” including the disarmament of Hamas, the return of all hostages, Gaza’s demilitarisation, Israeli security control over the enclave, and the creation of an alternative civil administration unaffiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
The plan drew criticism from multiple UN Security Council members, including the UK, France, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia, who warned it risked violating international humanitarian law and would not secure the release of hostages. However, the United States defended Israel’s position, with Ambassador Dorothy Shea insisting Washington was working “tirelessly” to end the conflict and free hostages.
Related stories:
