Achi news desk-
Last Updated: March 25, 2024, 2:13 PM IST
Smoke rises following an Israeli strike as Palestinians flee northern Gaza due to an aggressive Israeli military move south, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in the central Gaza Strip. (Image: Reuters)
China backs new UN resolution for Gaza ceasefire amid ongoing conflict. Hope for quick action for peace in the region
China said on Monday it supported a new draft resolution at the UN Security Council on an “immediate” ceasefire in Gaza after it and Russia vetoed an earlier text proposed by the United States.
“China supports this draft resolution and praises Algeria and other Arab countries for their hard work in this regard,” said foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian. “We hope that the Security Council will pass it as soon as possible and send a strong signal for the cessation of hostilities,” he said.
The war began with an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7 that resulted in around 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP count based on official Israeli figures. Israel has vowed to destroy the militants, who also took about 250 hostages, of whom Israel believes about 130 remain in Gaza, including 33 who are presumed dead.
The health ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip on Sunday put the total death toll in the territory at 32,226, most of them women and children. The Council has been divided over the Israel-Hamas war since the October 7 attacks, approving only two of eight resolutions, both dealing mainly with humanitarian aid to the devastated Gaza Strip.
Permanent member of the Council and key supporter of Israel the United States has unequivocally supported Israel’s right to defend itself following the unprecedented attacks by Hamas. Last Friday, the Security Council voted on a draft presented by the United States that called for an “immediate” ceasefire linked to the release of hostages. China and Russia vetoed the resolution, criticizing it for stopping short of specifically demanding that Israel halt its campaign.
The new text, according to the version seen by AFP on Sunday, “demands an immediate ceasefire” for the ongoing Muslim holy month of Ramadan, “leading to a permanent sustainable ceasefire.” It also “demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages as well as “the lifting of all obstacles to the provision of large-scale humanitarian aid.”
The text is being tabled by non-permanent members of the Security Council, who worked with the US over the weekend to avoid a veto, according to diplomats speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity. . Beijing, which is a permanent member of the Council and has veto power, said on Monday it supported the resolution.
“This draft takes a clear stance in demanding a cease-fire and expanding humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, thereby aligning with the correct orientation of the Security Council’s actions,” Lin said. “Currently, the conflict in Gaza is dragging on, causing a humanitarian crisis,” he said. “The international community expects the Security Council to carry out its duties practically and comprehensively,” he added.
