A senior Chinese diplomat has told the United Nations that achieving a permanent ceasefire in Gaza should be the international community’s top priority. Speaking at a Security Council meeting on Monday, Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the UN, said that although an agreement on the first phase of the ceasefire had been reached, genuine peace between Israel and Palestine remains distant and civilians continue to suffer.
Fu said China is deeply concerned that violence has persisted despite the ceasefire framework. He noted reports that Israel has committed more than 400 violations of the agreement, resulting in over 300 civilian deaths. He stressed that the ceasefire must be honoured in full and that all parties have a responsibility to end attacks immediately. Any incident leading to civilian casualties, he said, is unacceptable, adding that repeated strikes must not become “the new normal in Gaza”.
The envoy called on Israel in particular to adhere strictly to the terms of the agreement and to work toward a comprehensive and lasting peace. He said that while pauses in fighting can offer brief relief, they cannot replace the need for a durable ceasefire that protects civilians and creates space for political progress.
Fu also highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He said access for aid agencies remains severely restricted and that essential supplies are still not reaching those most in need. China urged Israel to comply fully with international humanitarian law by opening all crossing points, lifting barriers to humanitarian deliveries and ensuring the UN Relief and Works Agency and other groups can operate safely and effectively.
The ambassador said any future arrangements for Gaza must reflect the principle that Palestinians should govern their own territory and that the will of the Palestinian people must be respected. He argued that the international community should intensify efforts to advance a two-state solution and resist any unilateral moves that undermine its foundation. He also called for renewed support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with full UN membership.
Fu reaffirmed China’s long standing support for what he described as the Palestinian people’s legitimate national rights. He said Beijing would continue to push for a comprehensive, just and lasting resolution to the conflict, emphasising that stability in the region can only be achieved when the root causes of violence are addressed and political dialogue is restored.
China has increasingly positioned itself as an advocate for diplomatic solutions in the Middle East, and Fu’s remarks reflect Beijing’s broader call for restraint, humanitarian protection and progress toward a negotiated settlement.
