On the afternoon of June 4 local time, the UN Security Council voted on a draft resolution proposed by Algeria on behalf of Arab countries regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The resolution was vetoed by the United States.

According to information from the website of the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Ambassador Cong Fu of the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations made an explanatory speech after the vote on the draft resolution on the humanitarian issue in Gaza.

The full text is as follows:

Mr. President:

I would like to congratulate Guyana on taking over as the rotating president of the Security Council this month and also congratulate Greece on successfully completing its work as the previous month's rotating president.

We are very disappointed with today's voting results. The draft resolution on the humanitarian issues in Gaza, which was promoted by ten non-permanent members of the Security Council, clearly demands an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the lifting of the blockade on humanitarian supplies. These are the most urgent needs of the struggling people of Gaza and also the overwhelming call of the international community. The United States once again abused its veto power, extinguishing a glimmer of hope for the people of Gaza and continuing to leave more than two million people in Gaza in darkness without mercy. It must face the scrutiny of the international community.

People can't help but ask, where is justice and fairness? Over the past 600 days, 54,000 lives have been lost in Gaza. Israel continues to escalate its offensive blockade against Gaza, turning it into a living hell. Innocent civilians die every day in the war, and a large number of people are on the brink of starvation. The United Nations has clearly pointed out that the humanitarian supply distribution mechanism promoted by the United States and Israel violates the principles of fairness, independence, and neutrality. Recently, civilian casualties have continued to occur near distribution points, and the relevant mechanisms have even become "death traps." The cruel facts have shown that military means are not a solution, and this conflict has long exceeded the limit of rescuing hostages. Israel must immediately stop its military actions and fully restore access to supplies.

People can't help but ask, where is international law? Since the outbreak of the conflict, we have witnessed humanitarian aid being weaponized, schools, hospitals, and other civilian facilities becoming targets of attacks, and journalists and humanitarian workers being mercilessly killed. Israel's actions have crossed every red line of international humanitarian law, seriously violating resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly, as well as the provisional measures order of the International Court of Justice. But because of the protection of one country, violations of international law cannot be stopped or held accountable to this day. Adhering to international humanitarian law is an obligation that all parties must fulfill, not a dispensable option. Any double standards and selective application will only erode the foundation of international rule of law and must be firmly resisted.

People can't help but ask, where is the authority of the Security Council? As the primary body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, the Security Council has consistently been committed to achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and has reached an overwhelming consensus on ceasefire and humanitarian issues. Today's voting results once again show that the reason why the Security Council has failed to quell the fires in Gaza for so long is fundamentally due to the repeated obstruction by the United States. The United States has repeatedly vetoed the Security Council's ceasefire requirements, and it is precisely because of the protection of Israel by the United States that several resolutions passed by the Security Council have not been effectively implemented. The argument that Security Council actions will interfere with diplomatic efforts is completely untenable. As long as it is truly dedicated to peace, the actions of the Security Council will only provide strong support.

Mr. President,

The international community's efforts to pursue justice, uphold international rule of law, and defend the authority of the Security Council will not stop. The veto of one permanent member of the Security Council cannot prevent the steps toward peace. We urge the United States to recognize its responsibilities as a permanent member of the Security Council, put aside political calculations, adopt a fair and responsible attitude, and support the Security Council in taking all necessary actions. China is willing to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts to quell the fires in Gaza, alleviate humanitarian disasters, implement the 'two-state solution', and ultimately achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7512248517289624098/

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