Chinese UNSC president tells Israeli envoy to 'show respect'
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Gilad Erdan accused the UN of adopting numbers given by Hamas "as if they were sacred," prompting Jun to interrupt him and urge him to show a minimum degree of respect while addressing the organization's senior officials.
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Zhang Jun, China's ambassador to the United Nations, left, attends the U.N. Security Council at United Nations headquarters Monday, Oct. 30, 2023 (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
On Wednesday, China's representative to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, who is currently president of the UN Security Council, condemned the Israeli occupation's representative to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, after he attacked the United Nations for not adopting the occupation's narrative.
Erdan accused the UN of adopting numbers given by Hamas "as if they were sacred," prompting Jun to interrupt him and urge him to show a minimum degree of respect while addressing the organization's senior officials before allowing him to resume his speech.
Last month, Jun accused "Israel" of causing an unparalleled humanitarian catastrophe and urged them on November 11 to immediately lift the Gaza blockade and ensure the unrestricted flow of essential supplies to the region, particularly fuel to humanitarian and medical facilities.
Formerly, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed that the rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East to a lack of justice for the Palestinian people.
After China assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council this November, the Foreign Ministry announced that Beijing “will make every effort to restore peace in Palestine .”
While the West expressed strong support for "Israel" in the wake of its ongoing aggression on Gaza, Beijing adopted a relatively impartial stance. China lamented the loss of civilian lives, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and reiterated its endorsement of a "two-state solution", aiming to establish an autonomous Palestinian state.
China calls for immediate ceasefire
Jun expressed that China is advocating for an early cessation of hostilities in Gaza and the implementation of a ceasefire.
During the UN meeting, he explained that "We must step up efforts to promote an immediate end to hostilities and realization for a ceasefire," emphasizing that this must be immediately implemented in order to avoid a larger humanitarian catastrophe.
Jun also added that Beijing supports the diplomatic efforts that will lead to the release of more captives and pave the way for "dialogue and negotiation and the restoration of peace."
The Chinese envoy also stated that more efforts must be made to encourage all activities aimed at protecting people in Gaza and elsewhere.
Gaza ceasefire welcomed by US, Europe, Russia, & China
Several international parties have welcomed the recent announcement regarding a 4-day humanitarian pause with the Israeli occupation, achieved through Qatari and Egyptian mediation efforts after difficult and complex negotiations.
The agreement entails releasing 50 Israeli women and minors (under 19) held captive in Gaza in exchange for the liberation of 150 Palestinian women and minors (under 19) imprisoned in Israeli jails.
The spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, expressed hope that "the agreement will help alleviate the humanitarian crisis and contribute to reducing escalation and tensions."
She added that "since the outbreak of the current round of war, China has called for a ceasefire and has made continuous efforts to calm the situation, protect civilians, and provide humanitarian assistance."
