GENEVA / BEIJING - A Chinese representative on Tuesday condemned Israel's attack on Qatar last week during an urgent debate at the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which was convened at the request of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said Israel's attack on Qatar constitutes a flagrant violation of Qatar's territorial sovereignty and national security, breaches international law and the UN Charter, and undermines peace efforts.
China firmly opposes and strongly condemns the attack, he stressed.
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Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries is a basic norm governing international relations, Chen said, adding that Israel has repeatedly ignored this principle and frequently taken military actions against neighboring countries.
He noted that Qatar has played a crucial role in mediating a ceasefire in Gaza and has made tremendous efforts toward peace, which the international community has widely recognized. Israel's move, he said, is a deliberate attempt to sabotage the ceasefire talks.
Resorting to force will not resolve the problem, Chen said, calling on all parties, particularly Israel, to make more constructive efforts to end hostilities and resume negotiations, to earnestly fulfill obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law, and to respect the right to life of people in neighboring countries.
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Chen said China stands ready to work with the international community to promote a ceasefire, ease regional tensions and play a constructive role in restoring peace.
Israel's escalation of military operations opposed
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Wednesday said China firmly opposes Israel's escalation of military operations in Gaza and condemns all moves that harm civilians and violate international law.
According to media reports, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in Israel on Sept 15 that Israel has the support of the United States over plans to destroy Hamas. On Sept 16, the Israeli military launched ground offensive and large-scale airstrikes on Gaza City. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) believes around 40 percent of Gaza's population have so far left, while UN independent international commission of inquiry said that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
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When asked for comments on a daily news briefing, spokesperson Lin Jian said China is deeply concerned over further escalation of tensions, and opposed to relevant party fueling the flames.
The Chinese side urges Israel to listen to the strong concerns voiced by the international community, stop its military operations in Gaza at once, realize a full and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible, and avoid an even larger humanitarian crisis, Lin noted.
"We hope relevant parties will act in the interest of regional peace and stability, uphold a just position and responsible attitude, and play a constructive role for deescalating the situation," added Lin.
