UNITED NATIONS, May 16 2021 After the United Nations Security Council held an emergency public meeting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the 16th, China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Zhang Jun met with the Permanent Representatives of Norway and Tunisia to the United Nations to make a joint statement on the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict situation.
The representatives of the three countries expressed grave concern at the situation in Gaza and the increase in civilian casualties and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, full compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians, in particular children. The representatives of the three countries called for an immediate end to all acts of violence, provocation, incitement and sabotage, as well as plans for expulsion. The representatives of the three countries expressed concern about the tension and violence in East Jerusalem, particularly in and around holy sites, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and urged maximum restraint and respect for the historical status quo of the Holy Land. The representatives of the three countries urged the parties to work together as soon as possible to reduce tensions and stop the violence. The representatives reaffirmed their support for a negotiated “two-State solution” in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions and international law and urged that diplomatic efforts be strengthened and accelerated to that end.
Zhang said that State Councilor Wang Yi and Foreign Minister, while presiding over the Security Council meeting, fully expounded China’s views on the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict situation. While it is imperative for the international community to promote a ceasefire to end the violence, it is equally important to advance a lasting and just solution to the question of Palestine. The Council has an important responsibility to do so and must act to promote the parties to reduce tensions as soon as possible, cease hostilities, put the Middle East peace process back on track and implement the relevant Security Council resolutions and the “two-State solution”.
Zhang jun said that without a political solution to the Palestinian question, it will be difficult for the two sides and the Middle East region to achieve real peace. As the rotating presidency of the Security Council in May, China will continue to push the Council to take action and make a concerted effort to end the current crisis through political dialogue. China calls on all Council members to join the joint efforts of the international community.
Since the recent warming of the situation between Israel and Palestine, China, Norway and Tunisia have worked closely together in the Security Council, twice pushing the Security Council to hold emergency consultations and proposing a draft presidential press statement to guide the Security Council to play an active role in easing tensions. The foreign ministers of the three countries attended an emergency public meeting of the Security Council on 16 May.
