China's UN ambassador Fu Cong told the Security Council at an open emergency
meeting on Gaza's humanitarian situation on the 18th (local time) that Beijing
seeks a durable, genuine ceasefire in Gaza. He said recent Middle East tensions
have eased and urged preserving that momentum to help resolve other regional
hotspots. Fu noted the October Gaza ceasefire agreement but said Israel is
continuing to expand military occupation, a development China regards with
serious concern. China said force cannot secure lasting peace and called on the
parties, especially Israel, to fully comply with the ceasefire and stop actions
that violate it. Countries with significant influence over the parties should
take more active steps to secure a lasting ceasefire, he added.
