China calls on US to pressure on 'Israel' into reaching ceasefire deal
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According to Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Fu Cong, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent visit to Washington offered the US an opportunity to seek a solution to the conflict.
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Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks during a Security Council meeting at United Nations headquarters, Thursday, April 18, 2024. (AP)
Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations, Fu Cong, stated on Friday that China is urging the US to pressure "Israel" into agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.
"We do believe that it's time to stop the killing and we urge the United States to put pressure on Israel to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible," Fu said.
The Chinese ambassador also voiced concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
He said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent visit to Washington offered the US an opportunity to seek a solution to the conflict.
"We have always been urging the United States to put more pressure, and now, when he is here, I think the US should use this leverage," Fu added.
Read more: Al Mayadeen obtains Palestinian factions' Beijing declaration
On Thursday, Netanyahu met with US Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington to discuss his war on Gaza.
Following the meeting, Harris told reporters it was time to secure a Gaza ceasefire deal immediately, saying, "It is time for this war to end and the end in a way where Israel is secure, all the hostages are released, the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza ends and the Palestinian people can exercise their right to freedom, dignity, and self-determination."
"And as I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu it is time to get this deal done. Let's get the deal done. So we can get a ceasefire to end the war. Let's bring the hostages home. And let's provide much-needed relief to the Palestinian people," she added.
According to Axios, Netanyahu was taken aback by Harris' tone and statement, saying they were much sharper on camera than they were in private.
He was also reportedly unsettled with how Harris used the possible ceasefire deal as a solution to end the war when the prime minister repeatedly claimed he would continue his military onslaught in Gaza until his objectives were all achieved.
Read more: Amid theatrics about Gaza, Harris starts campaign with lies: Hamas
According to the White House, President Joe Biden is set to tell Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that a ceasefire in Gaza is needed "soon."
White House national security spokesman John Kirby informed reporters that the US believes a deal is possible but will require "some leadership, some compromise and an effort to get there. The president will be reaffirming for Prime Minister Netanyahu that he believes we need to get there, and we need to get there soon."
