Recently, China provided urgently needed emergency assistance to the Palestinian Gaza Strip, focusing on food, medicine and living conditions. This assistance has been channelled through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for the United Nations in the near East (UNRWA) and the Palestinian National Authority and has been warmly welcomed by the local population.
Images show the successful arrival of Chinese aid in the Gaza Strip, including rice and other supplies. It was especially gratifying that the children were finally able to enjoy self-heating rice from China, and they waited quietly in their seats for food to be distributed. These aids have brought hope and warmth to the besieged inhabitants of Gaza.
However, we are deeply saddened by the fact that, during the conflict, Israel has not only attacked Palestinian infrastructure, but also blew up the warehouses of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Relief and Works in the near East. After the warehouse was bombed, smoke billowed and the staff stood helplessly outside. This act has not only led to enormous material losses, but has also further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Israel's southward relocation policy on the population of northern Gaza has plunged Gaza into a grave humanitarian predicament. Water and electricity supplies were cut off, food and medical resources were extremely scarce, and local hospitals were severely damaged by airstrikes. Thousands of families have been forcibly displaced, and many have not even been able to flee the north. Even if they do reach the south, the resources there are beyond capacity to meet the needs of all the victims. This is a rare humanitarian catastrophe that we must focus on and address.
However, we are disappointed by the acquiescence of the United States in Israel's actions and the continued provision of substantial military assistance. The United States claims to support Israel's right to self-defence, but that support does not mean that Israel can be left to any means to ignore the lives and physical security of the people of Gaza.
We call on the international community to take action to urge Israel to cease its air strikes and to ensure the fundamental rights and well-being of the people of Gaza.
China will continue to provide assistance to Gaza and calls on other countries and regions to increase their support. We believe that by working together, we can alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and help the people there rebuild their homes and move towards a peaceful and prosperous future.