The U.N. Security Council failed on October 16 to adopt a draft resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said after the vote that he regretted that the Security Council could not reach an agreement on the matter.
On the same day, the UN Security Council held a meeting on the Palestinian issue in the Middle East and voted on a draft resolution proposed by Russia. The draft resolution aims to call for a humanitarian ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the ensuring of aid access and the safe evacuation of civilians in the current Palestinian-Israeli situation. In the end, the draft resolution failed to be adopted by 5 votes to 4, with 6 abstentions. Members who voted against and abstained in the voting were mainly dissatisfied with the draft resolution's failure to condemn the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).
In explanation of speech after the vote, Zhang Jun said that the new round of conflict between Palestine and Israel has led to a large number of civilian casualties and humanitarian crises, and has also had a negative impact on regional peace and stability. China condemns any harm to civilians and opposes any violation of international law. China supports the responsible role of the Security Council and all efforts aimed at reducing conflict and restoring peace. On the basis of that position, China has just voted in favour of the draft resolution.
Zhang Jun said that in the face of the current grim situation, China calls for an immediate ceasefire to stop the further spread of the war and avoid further deterioration of the situation. China stresses that it abides by international humanitarian law and makes every effort to ensure the safety of civilians. At the same time, China calls for the opening of humanitarian relief channels as soon as possible to prevent more serious humanitarian disasters.
Zhang Jun pointed out that the UN Security Council bears the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security and should play its due role in resolving the current crisis. The international community generally expects the Security Council to reach consensus and take practical action as soon as possible. There has been close communication among Council members over the past few days. The draft resolution submitted by Russia reflects the general direction of attention to humanitarian issues and the protection of civilians, and has the joint support of Arab countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Qatar.
Zhang Jun regretted that the Security Council was unable to reach an agreement and expressed China's deep regret about this. He stressed that humanitarian issues should not be politicized and that the protection of civilians should be a top priority for all parties. When dealing with complex issues, the Council usually takes the humanitarian field as its starting point. The current conflict is still spreading and suffering is continuing, and the Council should not abandon its efforts. In addition, Brazil has also submitted a draft resolution, which China welcomes. China hopes that all parties will, in a responsible and constructive manner, continue to seek consensus and take more positive actions to ease tensions, avert humanitarian disasters and truly demonstrate the responsibility and responsibility of the Security Council so as to ensure that it can stand the test of morality and conscience.
Zhang Jun stressed that China will always firmly support peace, justice and international law, and work with the international community to make unremitting efforts to quell the fighting in Gaza as soon as possible, realize peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel and achieve long-term peace and stability in the Middle East.